Can you say "RIGHT SIZING"?

 

The statement stands by itself - since the merger it's been a net increase.

Post merger combined AA pilot count, two years post merger, is up. DL manning, seven years post merger, is flat.

Yes, it's troubling to see others increasing their fleet sizes while AA's fleet total shrinks. Long term that's a troubling trend. But post BK AA block hours increase (4.2%) has exceeded UA's(-3.5%) and DL's(3.7%)(2015 data will probably change the DL ranking).

And block hours post merger are also up.

UA's latest fleet count increase might not be enough to recoup the block hours deficit it's run. A fleet increase of 2.7% might not be enough to recoup the hours lost(-3.5%).

AA 2015 block hours increase might be in the 1% range. 2016 appears to be flat (2% ASM growth offset by 2% gauge increase). So DL should pass AA's block hour increase using 2015 data(?) and continue to outperform in 2016.

UA's 2015 fleet increase should support a block hour increase. Obviously better utilization of the existing fleet could have a bigger impact on block hour changes. Even with these improvements UA will probably lag AA's recent performance.

 

Are we talking about pilot block hours or aircraft block hours? The company would claim the increase in widebody flying and therefore more augmented crews means more jobs, and better paying ones at that. I don't necessarily believe that though.

 

^^^ That's a/c block hours.

 

DL's pilot count is more than 500 above the count at the SLI and growing. (12434 vs 12961 on Feb 1)

 

Thats it? I figured with all the 717s it would be a bunch more. What did y'all park?

 

Thanks.
Website, using DOT data, shows an increase of 5.

 

There has also been quite a few military long term LOA returns and furlough returns since the SLI which has added to the "active" pilot #'s without actually hiring.

 

Are mainline block hours increasing or just total block hours?

Where is that data published?

More block hours with less aircraft actually is a good thing, it means we're becoming more efficiently operated. I like it. If true.

 

We're continuing the trend in 2016 with a 23 Mainline net aircraft increase along with a net decrease of 14 express planes according to the 8-K last month. During the earnings conference call management acknowledged that they're up gauging equipment and replacing some express flying with the A319's and 737-700s because the customers prefer mainline equipment and reliability.