Originally Posted by
Maddogdvr
Just want to gather some thoughts on a crucial decision I’m about to make, only well intentioned responses much appreciated.
40 years old, 3rd year pay at B6, drive to work, live in south FL.
UAL CJO waiting for class, a bit concerned about next years economy outlook as I make the jump to UAL. I know It’s hard to predict anything at this point, just a few words from the wise I know some are in this forum...thank you and happy holidays!
Tough decision. I was at Spirit looking at an upgrade in 2015 and made the jump to United and never looked back. Best decision I’ve made for me and my family.
Our Senior management has stated that it can start parking aircraft off leases “in double digit figures” starting 2020. Scott Kirby has made it very clear that he wants a more flexible fleet during downturns. In that same statement they do not want to defer any current aircraft acquisition as we need to update our fleet. Kirby also wants to cut down fleet types at United.
IMO (for what it’s worth) I can see UAL start parking leased buses and eleiminating a fleet type over the course of several years. We have many 737 max 9/10s on order. We have a lot of old 767 and 757 that they want to replace with other aircraft as well.
My prediction (worst case senario!) is that UAL would halt hiring for x amount of years while they park aircraft and retirements naturally downsize the airline.
Good news is:
-we have a much leaner company that can actually handle downturns these days
-cheap oil
-high travel demand
-retirements ramping up more and more every year