Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
People hate Mesa because it is a glimpse into the future of every airline job. Mesa has learned how to squeeze their employees for every penny. Armed with low costs Mesa is then able to grow and effectively compete.
Mesa and companies like it have proved to the industry that pilots, F/A's and the rest will work for next to nothing and will put up with a lot in order to remain in aviation. Other companies are being forced into similar practices or go under.
SkyHigh
This simply isn't true. Mainline carriers still focus on numbers. A little more money for a lot better performance is definately DAL's opinion considering their attempt to stop MCO and JFK freedom flying. RP, SKYW, ASA, and XJet have their differences but are competitive in most aspects. Mesa lowers the price at the expense of employee pay and work rules and therefore employee morale. That lack of employee morale is what makes their performance numbers suck day after day. There is no debate Mesa does it cheaper - cheaper is not better here. The aircrews hate it therefore delay flights - it is inevitable - they are pulling on a rubber band that will soon break.
12 months MESA won't exist as a xpress/connection carrier. Then they'll be GO! alone....then the HI aircarriers will do exactly what Mainline carriers did to Independance. Then they won't exist at all. This is my guess.
It's unfortunate because I'm not a Mesa hater - I just feel they are pilots who have gotten in an unfortunate circumstance and in this industry U turns are hard. It still boils down to very poor management who doesn't understand employees make companies - especially front line employees.
I can honestly say I have seen the transition at ASA (where I work). Since the new CEO and the new contract there has been a rediculous shift in morale. Most people I talk to on a day to day basis mostly enjoy working there. A CEO who understands the importance of employees is what I feel is making the difference.
Just my .02c