Originally Posted by
goodridecowboy
AA WO have already blown up the regional model. They are putting the other regionals out of business, slowly. This is why (in my opinion) the 135 exists: they know that they can't compete - there isn't a legacy there to back the losses incurred by $90/hr rates - and we will involuntarily shrink. In order to stay alive they will use retirees and 500tt FOs to keep the EAS flying alive but the 5500 deep seniority list OO is a thing of the past.
I'm expecting a middle of the road TA with 1st year pay in the $60 range and top out pay in $150 range. Anything more is probably unsustainable under the contracted rates. There will be a mass exodus, and there will be people that stay anyway. Whoever stays - that's the size of the new SkyWest. They understand they have to adapt or die right now, and I cannot see a world wherein SGU wants to compete side by side with an AA WO right now.
That is such a great perspective.
When you leave SkyWest it becomes easier to understand the company in the rear view mirror. You’re not getting wholly owned money folks. It’s not who they are or want to be. SkyWest loves being non-union, cutting edge cost savings regional delivery model kinda airline. Bar none. See that 135 ops chatter.
Save for the odd SLC senior CA demographic, everyone comes here to leave ASAP. That’s the model.
Captains truly are about to get paid. Chip said so. He must. They gave the FOs all the money last time and then got the new hires to ratify the thing. Which, OBTW, Chip told the training group was a mistake.
Everything negotiated is about getting to the other side of the pilot shortage. Which they will as a smaller company.
What IS scary is the median hours of FOs nowadays. Rumor has it in the 3 hundo range. I really would have hated to be a regional CA. Make it worthwhile!