Originally Posted by
bgmann
Lots of talk going around that the 175 furloughs are to make room for nearly 200 AE Captains going to AA. Its likely a legal arbitration that is forcing AA to provide "room" for AE Captains. It is something that should have happened in 2007 but didnt. Unfortunate for the AA furloughs, but possibly should have been done properly years ago.
Actually IF (that's IF) the arbitrator rules AE flowthrough pilots should be placed in class in the near future, then it may be less then the 244 supposedly eligible. There are over 500 total flowthroughs, but many are at the bottom of the AA list and won't go until all AA furloughees.
The AA furlough situation may or may not have something to do with the Eagle flowthrough grievance. Timing, method and numbers are suspicious though.