Originally Posted by Beertini

I hate to get away from all of the MEC bashing and return to the question at hand, but here is what I got out of the "O's" talk the other evening.

1. Volumes are at levels not seen in 10 years, but with much different system form (we are set for a more international vice domestic staffing)
2. 757 production issues are largely resolved. They are still planning on purchasing the full complement of a/c (87 I believe).
3. 777 posting should happen in the Oct/Nov (ish) timeframe. There is a potential it could be staffed at 20 crews / plane (still in negotiations). In the spring of 2010 they are anticipating needing 250 or so pilots to staff 777.
4. The recent problems with the training letters are due to interpretation issues between the company and union and are currently being addressed.
5. Early retirement has / is being looked at. Right now the beancounters do not feel it is currently worth pursuing.
6. Depending on who talk to, the "O" said we are somewhere between 200 and 500 folks fat. He wouldn't specifically give a number so he tap danced on this question a bit.
7. The letter of intent for a 135 certificate has been sent to the FAA. Both certs will be maintained (121 for charters). Expect 135 in the middle of next year.
8. The 10 will be shut down completely after peak and probably by February (ish). There might be some guys in limbo after the 10 stops flying and before they have a training slot.
9. The airline 'cannot operate at the contract BLG minimums.'10. They do not plan to furlough (barring anything 'catastrophic'). In 12 to 18 months they are going to need everybody so they are pursuing other staffing models. Specifically, he said that 08-03 was canceled so that they could work with the union on options that aren't specifically address in the CBA (carryover). These options are currently being negotiated. There will be another excess posting that will have less impact on the crew force.
11. 16 310's are being parked or returned to the leasing companies.
12. The "O" said he reads these boards so I would just like to tell him hello.

There were a few other things, but that is all I can remember. Hope that helps. Now back to the MEC chat.

Cheers,
Beertini