Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Take away points from the RJET announcement:
- As I've previously explained, Delta's capital expenditure constraints are going to push the company to outsource more flying. Much as a Fraternity with no budget for a party throws a BYOB event, Delta wants capacity BYOJet. Even in the case of the NWA merger, Delta wanted airplanes it did not have to pay for.
- RJET's branded flying is not going well. Frontier's E Jet deliveries are being delayed, yet it still siphoned off airplanes for this new flying.
- ALPA's course of conduct has been absolutely clear:
- This was defined as non Delta flying in previous versions of DAL scope
- NWA's MEC also defined that the E170/175 was to be operated property via their contract negotiations
- The Delta MEC divested Compass, reiterating this was not "Delta" flying
- The Delta MEC Chairman conceded additional aircraft while making road show presentations which touted the benefits of outsourcing
Anyone who thinks ALPA is going to pursue a grievance, or even object, just has not been paying attention.
Yeah, I told you so. My prognostication that the narrow body RFP will be effected by Delta's CapEx constraints stands. Again, I reiterate our MEC needs scope that focuses on PILOTS not airplanes. We need to define Delta flying inclusively and broadly. We need "Delta" pilots regardless of who's leases the airplanes.
While not disagreeing with your submission,
-Previously announced DC-9s not retiring, but staying through 2012
-Additional 6 RJs
-SWA/AirTRan merger goes through without divesting any BWI or MCO
My guess is that we are about to get confirmation that the slot swap has gone through with LCC. Just a guess.