Originally Posted by
Wildturkey
I’d expect next year to see a fair amount of new hires and upgrades.
Lets that say we finish 2022 with 760 airplanes. We are flying I think about 650 now, and have a total fleet of 730. Add in roughly 30 net growth and that’s how I get 760. Feel free to correct, I’m using napkin math.
At our current Manning of 13 pilots per plane (8500 active/650 jets) 760 would require about 9900 pilots. Add in 100 retirements and suddenly that crazy 1000 new hires and 1000 upgrades rumor might actually be plausible.
But then again, I could be wrong!
I’d say 13 per aircraft is a bit fat on staffing level. 12.5 sounds more realistic and desirable to me. Whats my reasoning…
Assuming we currently have 300 pilots out on medical, military leave (aside from remaining ExTOs) -> we are currently staffed with 8200 active pilots to operate 650 aircraft (9000 - 500 FOs on ExTo - 300 out on medical).
This seems to be a good spot (Premium in the summer for everybody).
Assuming we grow by 30 aircraft, we would need to add about 500 pilots next year.
375 (30 x 12.5) + 100 retirements. Round it up to 500.
Thats my prediction based on my napkin math.
Did I mention that I am a pilot and thus an expert on everything and anything😬