Originally Posted by
tcco94
This was one comment about the ER that seemed most realistic and applicable. Just watched the last townhall with JL and interesting enough someone asked about the future plans of the ER. They go into talking about purchasing a 757 sim to help the training backlog and how limited 757 sims are availability wise around the world. Furthermore states we will continue to see positions opening up on the fleet in future AE's. JL steps in to add that if people are wondering what the long term future plan of the ER is, we have a "long term commitment to the 75/76 as that is why we are looking at purchasing 757 simulators".
So I am a little confused with everyone saying avoid the fleet like the plague as it's only going to be doomed with shrinking from here on out? Maybe it's me trying to justify why on earth I bid LAX7ER in the first place, but I'm lost. Certainly 321neo's will take out 757 to Hawaii, but like someone else said it's unlikely all of that takes over immediately (which was another thing addressed and answered in same townhall about 321neos).
I guess maybe you guys are talking about long term bidding perhaps and the fact the ER is never going to be what it once was. But so far it appears the airline doesn't have enough metal to fly the demand we want. I'm so low it doesn't really matter and thankfully my 2 year seat lock will be half done by the time I even get typed on the airplane because of this double train scenario. But here's to going into LAX7ER with more optimism than pessimism that I might get some decent flying out of it despite doing lots of redeyes. Which I would have probably done anyways unless I stay 220.
My hopes is that there's still a few years left of decent west coast flying on it to holdover the time it takes for the 330's to get delivered and just bid over to one of those, assuming our hiring numbers hold with that they say.
This is a pretty fair post.
Most educated guesstimators are predicting 15 years. The 767 is a unique animal in the fleet. It can do domestic transcons and is well suited for that flying and the pax like the dual isle. We've also seen how network likes to plug and play on international routes with the 76. Dakar as an example. Was 75 now 76. Same with KEF. I just flew it in the 76 (in past it was 75 but that can change as network shuffles). It was full flight. the 76 works when a 330 won't due to loads. It is a very versatile airframe to be used thru out our network.
Nothing beats the performance of the 75. Really an incredible aircraft. Yeah its avionics are dated, but we can still pretty much go anywhere we need to. High/hot short field full loads - no problemo. Nothing like taking off from Cabo and being able to climb right up to 40/41k at 1500fpm all the way. Easiest airplane to fly, easy to land, great in gusty winds and x-winds, it will keep you safe. That huge wing is a performer. Just look at the clean speeds at altitude. Coffin corner? More like acreage. I really like flying the 75. Turn it off and fly it, with a big grin on your face (I spent some amount of time on the 88 so I'm easily impressed
)
Trips are OK, they seem to have stabilized. Summer 2019 was the pits. Junior guys do get int'l It kinda comes in waves and really directly proportional on what the seniors bubbas are bidding. If you are junior, always bid for them (Int'), you never know. I still think the NY base has the best variety of trips in the ER (JMHO).
Mau, if you are jonesing over the type and want to fly it before it goes, why not take a 2 year trip on it? Like you said, always be Airbi to fly here at DAL.
FOr me I'm going to hang on it a couple years more, unless the domestic stuff just gets untenable. Then I'm jumping to the 330. OBTW - thnks to all the folks who PM'd me about that fleet and the flying. Most appreciated.
Good luck Mau. Always nice to have choices.