Completely false. Allegiant could give every pilot on the list a $100,000/yr increase and it would only cost $60m. A small fraction of last quarters profit.

 

I don't think it will drive allegiant into bankruptcy but I don't think allegiant pilots will get legacy pay either. If you negotiate it that's great! I hope you do. But there is a pecking order. You want top pay you might get it quicker by changing jobs to a top airline, just my opinion. This is your first contract, if you can get 80% of legacy pay you should take it, and in my opinion 80 percent would be generous. You can always re-open things in a few years when the shortage really kicks in.

In reality though it probably doesn't matter. Allegiant won't be able to survive the pilot shortage 5 years from now anyway, you'll be out of business and you won't be alone. Best case you figure out a way to merge, mid case you sell your airbus' and tack the pilots on to the bottom of someone's seniority list, worst case you just fold.

 

Just curious but what about the "shortage" will cause Allegiant to not be around? Who else will be gone?

 

I understand that. Joe Schmoe could start an airline right now and turn a profit. A barrel of oil is cheaper than a keg of Coors right now.

All the airlines have benefited from this. I am sure allegiant could pay its pilots an hourly rate that parallels legacy pay. Sure. I don't see the total compensation ever paralleling the legacies though. It's fiscally impossible long term in my opinion.

If I were an allegiant pilot I would be happy if my NC could attain JB pay rates and the spirit contract. Of course just my opinion. Which is worth exactly what you paid for it, nothing.

I hope you guys crush it with your new contract when it arrives. It is long overdue.

 

But if we show demanding more than we originally asked, how has the NMB viewed that in the past? Because if they see that action as not bargaining in good faith, we'll be sitting for years waiting to be released.

 

They said regional pay couldn't go up too. Comutair is offering free commuter hotels and $40 an hr to start. Endeavor is pay something like 50k for new FO's. The regionals don't have one major advantage that Allegiant does. We control our ticket prices. Legacy level pay and benefits would equate to maybe $5 more per ticket. Hardly the amount that's going to deter passengers.

I get weekly emails looking for 320 captains in China. Their LCC offer 300k off the bat. That market is what it is. The market is dictating higher pay for pilots. If the tide turns the other way for whatever reason, so be it. For now it's in our favor and it's time to ask for more. Allegiant pays market rate for fuel and attorneys. Why should pilots be any different?

 

This is EXACTLY the mentality managers depend on to keep wages low. If anything Allegiant pilots deserve to be the HIGHEST paid airline pilots considering the number of actual emergencies they have to deal with due to maintenance financial short cutting.

 

Agreed.

We've all seen multiple reports of issues with the MD80s. I spent years on them here and can attest that the issues are real. But I also see a lot of people saying it is much better on the Airbus. To put that rumor to rest let me ask those reading this who have flown an Airbus for another company the following questions....

How many of you have experienced the following that our Airbus crews have in the past year...

-Engine vibration off the scale
-ECAM showing reverser unlock in flight
-ELAC deferred
-FMGC fail
-Lav Smoke Alarm
-ADR fail
-Landing Gear issue
-Airframe Vibration

These are just off the top of my head that I or my friends here have dealt with. Most have happened often. It is common to have an ECAM message here at least once a week. Other airlines see one a year.

 

Havent seen those at Spirit (been there almost 6 years) but have had maybe an ELAC deferred once?

Whats the status of negotiations for you guys? Why the hold up on being released and why hasnt the FAA stepped in in regards to mx?

 

I hope you guys are right , I mean who woułdn't like a100k pay hike? I just don't wanna deal with an unreasonable demand that ends up not allowing us to get released from mediation or driving the company to bankruptcy where the judge then trashes the contract. I don't have any experience with negotiations like these so I don't claim to be an expert, nor a business major. If we can afford legacy rates then great! I'm just not sure we can.