Originally Posted by
SebastianDesoto
I am quoting this because the truth in the argument is about the target market. I won't go as far to say there is a NEED for the 76-100 seat aircraft in the market, but I will say that these aircraft make financial sense (lowering capacity/lower operating cost). I would LOVE to see what AA projects the acquisition and integration of these aircraft would cost versus the expected future cash flow. Without all the numbers in hand, I have a feeling these E170 E190 need to come on AMR property in some fashion for them to stay competitive.
Most people here understand that these aircraft are very much in competition with MD80s and maybe even 737s on some routes. Mainline pilots are rightfully concerned. The question is two fold. Who is going to fly them? How much will they get paid?
The "who will fly them?" question is sticky. If AA pilots hold firmly on scope, either Eagle will have to be divested totally, or AA pilots will fly them. I don't think the pilots can decide the "who." Just influence it a little.
The "how much will they get paid?" question is one where pilots DO ultimately have the most authority. Of course work rules and benefits come into play here as well.
When debating the pay issue, I think it would best serve our understanding if we compared it within normal ranges or even just minimums. 75hrs/month x pay rate. Stay away from what is possible. What you could possibly make is misleading.
Of course mainline pilots are concerned............they should be. They're getting the shaft and it's not the fault of regional pilots, but the bad decisions of the past coming home to roost. That sentance alone tells you something of why.....it's "they" who are getting the shaft because it is "us" who are being used to do it. If there was no them and us, we wouldn't be where we are now. But just like cancer, once it has occured, you cannot pretend it isn't there. Just like Walmart and Best Buy, the economic reality has become the cheapest buck.....you do it when shopping for that flat screen plasma right ? Expecting or demanding that each successive regional pilot group whose management acquires these aircraft to suddenly quit or jump off a cliff to solve the problem isn't realistic and has no chance of happening, so it's pointless for anyone to consider that.
But the above misses one VERY important aspect (perhaps THE most important). The economical viability of these aircraft at mainline ISN'T just about pilots. If it were, they'd be much easier to be placed there. You have to consider the TOTAL labor package. Mainline mechanics, F/A's, Agents and FSC's all will command more via "me too" contracts. That's a certainty. Then when you factor in the greater leverage these labor groups have vs. the typical regional (and they DO have greater leverage), they have the ability to gradually "raise the bar" and ratchet up cost at a greater rate then regional competition. If these aircraft WERE NOT already entrenched at the regional level THEN that is when you could make a play for mainline operation. As I've said dozens of times here that needed to be done 15 years ago, but ALPA dropped the ball. There was still room within the last 5-7 years for better treatment of this cancer improving the odds of controlling it better and giving the patient both a longer life and a better quality of life, but that period was actually wasted on WIDENING divisions among pilots. I know....I'm one of the "losers" frequently blamed for the problem.
Now it's WAY too late. Mangement and economics are in the driver seat and the future will be painful. Outside of mainline unions (again, not JUST pilots) agreeing themselves to become "regionals" by long-term contracts at regional scale for THEIR pilots, mechanics, F/A's etc., I cannot see any other outcome then where the current path is clearly leading.