Originally Posted by
FlyingOkra
This guy likely doesn't understand Line Bidding, Transition Conflicts, and how Spirit runs a thin staffing model extremely dependent on Pilots constantly picking up the operation and carrying it on their backs.
Paper Line Bidding is completely different than the Preferential Bidding Systems (PBS) that most Regionals run. Pre-constructed Line bids have a tendency to create isssues in consecutive months due to legalities and other contractual requirements. FedEx and Alaska run Regular Line Bidding without any of the problems that Spirit encounters bairecause:
A) They staff their Airlines more adequately.
B) They pay their pilots respectable wages that incentivize them to pickup flying where Transition Conflicts create additional days off.
FlyingOkra, thanks for your post. Yes, I didn't understand the different in the bidding systems
So my understanding now is that Spirit runs a Paper Line Bidding system that, when pilots are thinly staffed and poorly paid, can readily lead to significant open time that is hard, if not impossible, to fill. As a result of this set-up and the schedule increase NK Bumble Bee noted for May 25th, is it reasonable to expect another wave of cancellations coming at the end of this month or start of June? Or is it more likely that more proactive management, coupled with the TRO and encouragement from the union, will prevent another wave of cancellations?