I consider the hiring projections by the company as a rumor as well. Even though we have seen upgrade times come down a bit, never in my aviation life have I seen a time where the average aviation job candidate has so many options. The company has got to do something real and tangible in order to attract newhires that want to stay here.

Right now it seems that candidates with Big Four job offers will choose domicile living and upgrade opportunities. Never mind AM/PM schedules, line bidding, vacation pulls, and three-on four-off schedules, or that SWA has “never furloughed a pilot.”

A new fleet type sounds interesting but it’s a red herring to the big picture. The shiny big jet syndrome is a Gen X problem that has vacated the minds of the Lost Decade folks.

The new generation of newhires haven’t experienced the last 20 years and are entering into a buyer’s market.

Destination 225 is already obsolete as anyone that can finish training (or pay the $100K) can get on with a regional at record pay levels and bonuses, spend a short time there and pick which major they want to go to!

It seems the only time pilots are really trying to get on with SWA is when the economy sucks and the big three are furloughing. Is that the company’s biggest recruiting tool?

It’s the MONEY and the base, not a shiny new 787.