Gunter

Euro is up. Fred pays in Dollars as was previously discussed. Rent in Paris will likely be paid in Euros.

So will the Union rhetoric be the reality? Will senior FO's(>2 years for my poll even though the claim was far more senior bubbas) bid CDG to be 757 FO's? After all, that is why we voted FOR the LOA, right? So those who were going to go anyway, with or without the LOA, would get more cash.

For those of you not in the know, that is how the LOA was sold to the junior member.


Any Newhires to CDG as FO?

If yes, Majority or Minority of FOs in CDG newhires.



I just want to get some folks on the record so we can brag about who was right or wrong later. I orginally thought 727 SO's would bid it, but not with the Euro exchange rate now. I'm betting they will have more in their pockets staying in Mempho.



I say the majority of FOs in CDG will be newhires. Probably over 75%.

KnightFlyer

I thought no hiring until '09? Might go to NB FOs, NB SOs, and STVs.

Gunter

I hear you.

The estimated hiring date is based on a plan. The plan coming up with '09 must not include newhires to CDG.

If few bid CDG FO and no newhires go, the STV situation would be interesting. It may be cheaper to send us STV to fill CDG flying than it is to bring on newhires for CDG as folks live large on 727 FO and SO reserve.

I wonder if there would be enough 757 MEM FO positions available in the upcoming bid to do enough STV in CDG. Interesting.


Or....We could see Airbus and MD11 STV flying in CDG too. That would be funny.

kronan

Gunter,
as a 7 yr FO, considered trying for CDG as a JR Capt----until I read the LOA.

Barring some empty nester who's never lived overseas, just can't see any of the Bro's signing up for it.
Maybe if it was a 2 yr contract, but as a 2yrs + the next bid (and the last bid for FDX was when????), just can't see people sacrificing the lifestyle for the experience. So, majority of new hires IMHO to FO at CDG. Might even see some JR 27 SOs making the jump to Capt (and then being trapped until they can hold something else stateside)

And as a mil guy (1 tour in England and 1 in Germany) I have to warn folks that there were a few spousal units who hated the experience with a passion....and this was with a built in support system of people having the same experience.....and the capability to shop in American style stores and the ability to buy American food-stuff. (Not a lot of Wal-mart super centers with all of the convenience we are used to in the land of the big BX)

Now imagine your S.O. living near Paris, with no American's in the near vicinity. Other FedEx folks scattered in a 100 NM radius.....versus the "on-base" rent free housing surrounded by folks experiencing the same pain you are.

And as a bus guy, not worried about the STV to CDG until there is a FDA bid to open a bus domicile there. SIBA will be around for quite awhile.

Gunter

That limits options. That is very good for us.


With that info--I see newhires to CDG, more from the company to get folks over there or way too many 757 MEM FO crewmembers for the number of MEM 757 lines with lots and lots of STV.


I should ask more questions. "Who's going to bid 757 MEM FO knowing STV will become your middle name?"

ConnerP

I'm having a hard time seeing guys bid CDG 757 FO. Go ahead and put me on record as saying I think it will be newhires needed to fill the seats. A majority? I don't know. I'll bet yes. What the heck do I know though!

fdx727pilot

For the record, mid level and juniior 72 FOs in the left seat, very junior 72 SOs and newhires in the right. MEM 757 base will be almost non-existent for the next couple years, if my sources are right. A guy checking out as flex was already talking about DHing to CDG for their fly days.
And as a Bus guy, Kronan, you should know we had a small bid just a few months ago. It only takes one open position to get back from Paris. I know it seems like forever, but we have had some kind of bid at least once, and usually twice per year. The last MOAB was suppose to be a 2-3 year bid and we have had something like 2 or 3 "cleanup" bids since.

kronan

Yep, one mini-bid to keep the school house going.

And it isn't just a bid, but a bid to something that you can hold. So, if you're extremely JR, pretty easy to see getting stuck at either FDA.

Cessna180DVR

We may have had some small cleanup bids but if you are correct on who is going to fill those seats, then you have to take into account that they would need to be senior enough to bid back. That may not be possible being as junior as you suggest. They may be there 2 years + several bids to get back.

FDXLAG

I still say you will make more money doing permanent STV then going on a 2+ year tour.
- Live where you want
- $4K or so travel bank
- Free Hotel when at the base
- Per Diem
- No Tax Equalization
- Potential for Foreign Income Exclusion

I am sure you can commute from Prague to Paris to meet any 3 on 4 off schedule.