Here's an excerpt from a report from one of our guys who got to hear from our CEO during a base visit:
He said he is aware of recent development with American wholly owned carriers. However, he added that that the situation is different. American is heavily dependent on its regional carriers where as Delta is not as exposed. Management has to look at 'data points' that consider attrition, attrition at other companies, economy, inflation, fuel costs, and long term stability of EDV. He has to look out for pilots who wants to stay at EDV as well as to find a way to retain others who want to move on eventually. He is looking to mitigate lateral attrition while encouraging vertical attrition. He is looking to increase the flow to Delta. He mentioned shrinking in order to achieve this. He wants to stabilize the situation and wants EDV to stay around for a long time. He stated that Delta definitely prefers EDV pilots over other carriers and this is the place to be to go to Delta. (huh?) He understands that seniority/longevity is what the pilots want and he will advocate for that with Delta. But he then immediately added that this will be difficult due to current contract negotiations and management being not very receptive. He stated that the management is aware, and lookin at options but will need time. He again emphasized that no good solution will come fast since long term stability of the company is at priority and variables such as economy, inflation, fuel costs, developing situations in the airline industry must be taken into consideration.
I don't find much of that very encouraging. Sounds like they're not interested in competing with the AAG regionals, and plan for Endeavor to be a shrinking airline. It also seems as if he doesn't understand the nature or scale of the staffing problem that we're likely to face by the end of the year.
The fact that he continues to flatly deny the reality that the fastest way to Delta is to go literally anywhere except Endeavor is insulting to the intelligence of pilots and says to me that he's totally out of touch with the industry and has neither the intention nor the capability to address the issues facing this airline in any meaningful way.
God help us all. I need to go work on some apps, because I don't know how long this place can survive with management burying their heads in the sand.