Originally Posted by HoundFlyer

Analyst: "How do you explain this estimate of a 40% reduction in fuel cost as a part of DRIVE, especially with current global turmoil around oil prices" (paraphrasing)


Raj: "By flying less"


Richard Smith had hit some fuel savings talking points in his part of the event. Mentioned increasing the use of single-engine taxi and managing vertical flight path to save fuel. Other things that are obvious are a switch to our more fuel-efficient fleet and the retirement of the MD-11. Even with those factors, 40% was an alarming number in my opinion. I wonder how much further they think this block-hour reduction can go with the network integration. I guess we'll get an idea when they release the realignment bid...crew costs were estimated to be reduced by 140 million from DRIVE as well.


My guess is we will be in 4a2b or flirting with it for the next year or two, but I would think with age 65 retirements it won't be cost-effective to furlough and generate all the training. Stagnation for a year or probably two and then things work themselves out and we start hiring again as the seniority list dwindles too low. Gotta stay staffed for peak and the air freight industry in general is expecting volumes to increase back half of 2023.


Good turn out for the picket but since no strike vote has taken place looks like none of analysts or media cared from what I can tell. Not a single question about the pilot contract in the Q&A. They don't feel like we are a credible threat and I feel today could have been much more impactful with a pending strike vote by the crew force.


I don't know why I typed all this up but I watched the webinar today and this was my take on it.