They originally scheduled 15 EMB’s for retirement by the end of the summer. That number has been reduced to 5 with 1 already gone (218SW in May). The remaining 120’s have either been signed by UAL through 2011 or they’ve been retained to cover the additional (new) PR flying.

Currently we are extremely short staffed on EMB FO’s and SKW is denying all EMB (CA & FO) LOA requests. I’ve heard rumors that Mgmnt is considering a voluntary transition class of 15 or so RJ FO’s to EMB FO. There’s already a few that have their bids in and I’m sure that Mgmnt would easily get however many they need.

Just look at the facts:
1. Every reserve RJ FO can hold a sweet line on the EMB.
2. There are many West Coasters stuck in ORD & MKE.
3. An RJ FO not breaking quarantine makes roughly the same as a line holding EMB FO flying upper 80’s to low 90’s (majority of EMB FO’s credit close to 100/mnth).
4. EMB FO’s, way JR to every RJ FO, are average 14 days off per month compared to 10 for RJ reserves
5. Etc.

As for “hiring?” I wouldn’t expect any “hiring” until 2011 or beyond. We have very few “age 65” guys retiring in the next 5 years and I’ve moved up one spot in the last 6 weeks. It was due to an accident. …………..RIP GH, I knew him well and he will be missed………..Blue Skies.

The poolies might see a class or two but only if the rumored UAL Q’s or Mesa’s downfall comes to fruition………………………please don’t hold your breath. JO’s a cockroach and cockroaches can survive a nuclear holocaust.

Furloughs? No, Mgmnt has made it know that they’ve received enough VLOA’s to cover our overstaffing. Also they still have one “ace in the hole” with PTL’s. Yes SAPA says they’re hung up on benefits but when it comes down to it, if Mgmnt needs it………….it will happen. I, at one time, even thought we’d furlough the bottom 150 but Mgmnt’s holding true to their promises. As they should inorder to keep up the Kool-Aid binge drinking.

JMO and Only time will tell, until then good luck to all.