Originally Posted by
Lastchance2
Hi all. With the recent uptick in NB A postings, I'm curious if it'd be a fools errand for a junior pilot (~14,200 seniority range) to have a bid in for DTW 717a. What's the probability that we see mandatory displacements in the next year or two? The projected staffing is showing a 13.4% decrease in DTW 717a between now and August, yet, they're still posting new positions.. Is this normal behavior for a shrinking category? Would Delta typically give notice prior to a major MD, or do they typically hold their cards close to the chest in these situations? I've heard the "2030" figure thrown around as a 717 retirement date, but nothing in regards to the DTW base specifically.. The delays in new Wi-Fi/LPV, and ongoing wing spar inspections, don't give me the warm and fuzzies either..
Obviously this is conjecture, and "BWYWWWYB", but I'm curious if anyone had any insight for us junior folks with bids in. Thank you!
Lots of A's have bailed (myself included) with almost zero backfills, they probably listed these 10 spots because they needed to balance staffing for summer. They've been talking about LPV and Wifi for a few years, but that can keeps getting kicked down the road and I wouldn't be surprised to see it get kicked again...and again. I had planned on staying for the long haul, but saw the writing on the wall and didn't care to keep sliding backward in seniority as junior pilots bailed.
It could be worth it if you're looking to score a bit of extra cash (or a paid move via a MD) and can do a short course. Otherwise, that's a lot of time on Va Ave, in a short amount of time. Unless you really love Va Ave and sims, look at the bus, there are so many options for short courses down the line.
Originally Posted by
Lastchance2
I wouldn't mind this one bit. My concern is with taking the upgrade, then facing an immediate MD to the right seat (if they continue to shrink the category aggressively). I guess its a function of how many people retire off of the top, or have a voluntary displacement bid in.
Very few of the senior guys are going anywhere. There are a fair amount of commuters at the top, so I suspect some will follow it to ATL. Retirements likely won't help much as there are less than 10 scheduled DTW717A retirements between now and the end of 2030.
Originally Posted by
Gone Flying
the 220 may be more efficient on longer routes, but most of our fleet is. I think the whole “the 220 only works on longer routes” comes from the fact it was our first modern engine NB and for several years was the only one and we only had a couple dozen of them. Now we have close to 100 220s, 100 321NEOs another 150ish combined more on order plus 100 maxes. Now that our fleet looks like that we are seeing 220s and NEOs on plenty of shorter routes and I imagine we will see the 220 continue to take over flying from the 717.
network will match capacity when it can.
also almost all our 738s are older than our 717s. I believe they will certainly out last the 717, but they won’t be around forever.
Yup, they're already taking our MSP-STL and MSP-ORD routes. So much for it not being a replacement for the 717 legs lol.