Originally Posted by
CLT Guy
AA is looking to cut it's regionals by 50% in the next few years. There are 10 companies flying for American Eagle right now. Before too long, it will be 5. I would try to avoid the companies that will be losing contracts in the next few years. AA is trying to grow their WO, and will eliminate the non-WO.
I flew my last flight at PSA, and started class at a new shop this past week. PSA was a great stepping stone for me. My quality of life was great. The new job will pay me a lot more, and is a place that I could spend the next 30 years if I had to. But, I am still hoping that one of the big 3 will call. If not, I will be happy.
I realise AA will be forced to cut their regional operations down in the future, pilot shortage and all. But I can't seem to shake the suspicion the regionals remaining after the downsize (cancelling of contracts, etc) will be the WO. AA will dangle the "flow" as a carrot to keep them staffed while flowing the minimum they're required to so the can keep a substantial amount of their domestic operation operated by regional pilots making considerably less the the AA mainline pilots.
Ironically, it seems having a flow to mainline will help management keep the pilot hired today in an RJ or turboprops longer than the same pilot could do in 2-4 years applying off the street to AA from a non-WO
Congrats on the new job btw! Flying for an airline that sells its own tickets has to be a liberating feeling for you.