Originally Posted by
TransWorld
My crystal ball says all 3 WO subsidiaries of AA will merge into 1. Most of the 50 seaters will be parked. Flying will be upgauged. 50–>76, 76–>mainline narrow body. All with less frequency or with milk can runs with the pre-RJ model.
Alternatively, to keep attrition to manageable levels, they may also staple the WO pilots to the main line seniority list. Pay for 76 will be existing Group I rates, less that mainline narrow body Group II rates. Cannot say what 50 seat rates will be, Group I or something somewhat less. This will fix the RJ Captain shortfall. Mainline narrow body FO will be willing to fly as a 76 CA for a couple of years, with a slightly higher rate than Group II FO.
I agree that the only viable long term solution is putting regional pilots on the mainline seniority list. You've got to make it attractive enough that prospective pilots will spend all the $$$ required to get their ratings.
Alternatively, I could see a full scholarship program for pilots after they get their PPL. Once they reach 1500 hours they go fly for a regional for X number of years to pay back the scholarship while holding a mainline seniority number. Alternate to holding the seniority number would be credit for years of service at the regional so they'd start at the same years of service mainline payscale they had at the regional. So they know they have a mainline job coming (assuming furloughs aren't happening) and will be making a good salary. It'd have to be a guaranteed hire short of making a major screwup at the regional.