Originally Posted by
sailingfun
Even then it might not be possible. This is a binding arbitration award. I think only the arbitrator could change it.
To add to this I have heard that the company will not make a major wide body purchase until the fence is gone. The fence actually contributed to saving the 747-400. Absent the fence it may well have been gone by the end of next year and replaced with 777-300's. The company realized that they faced a nightmare situation if they attempted that. They would have two different 777 categories at the company and never the two could cross. Have a mechanical on a 777 in NRT and want to move another to that flight. Nope, ones a FDAL and one is a replacement FNWA. Need to reroute a copilot in NRT to replace a sick crewmember. Nope wrong sides of the fence. Need a shortcall reserve to cover a China flight from DTW, Oops out of short calls on that side of the fence. So sad flight canceled. The problems with this situation go on and on hence the extension of the 747's for exactly 5 years. Look for them to go fast at that point and a bunch of 777's to show up.
Sailing,
This does not sound right for a bunch of reasons:
First off - The situation you describe only applies if the 777 is a replacement for the 787 or 747. New 777s would not activate "dual Lists."
Second - You are forgetting about DALPAs policy of "Fly now - grieve later." Even if what you say is true -When scheduling calls - we are suppossed to go. The mechanical in NRT would be flown and the Union would grieve it later.
Third - The company seems to find a way around our contract when ever they really want to. If DAL is saying the fences are affecting aircraft orders, I would bet its only because that is exactly what DAL wants us to think.
Besides - At the rate the 787 is going its looking like an academic argument after all. If current trends continue (sliding timelines) It looks like the fences will come down before the 787 begins revenue service.
Finally, not intending to bid either aircraft I could give a crap who flies the 777/747, its all good as far as I am concerned.
Bring em on - the more the merrier!
Scoop