Originally Posted by
C2078
We are most definitely not overstaffed, running around 12 pilots per plane, that is very lean. The 70 or so MD overstaffing issue will take care of most of the 76 deliveries this year (realignment). My crystal ball tells me maybe 50 total hires this year, and maybe 40-50 upgrades at best to cover small amount of retirements, unless we see larger number of early outs (we won’t see a new contract until 2026 at the earliest, don’t expect many to stick around that long). Next 2-3 years are gonna see very slow movement with similar numbers, maybe a tad more with 2024 and beyond with a bit more retirements.
I hope you are right, 50 total 2023 new hires isn't much after the classes in Jan, Feb, and reported 3 in March come onboard. I think they will hold tight, get an idea of the economy and parking schedule for the 6 MDs, run a displacement off the MD to staff 76 deliveries, and then look to hire a few. Retirements have slowed (especially early), and who can blame a change in plans with the market and news. JA is in the tank, the 74 staffing emergency is over. Not doom and gloom, just reality.