So, what are the guesses on when the next bid comes out? Is there really any reason to have another bid? We are so dang optimized and supposedly fat on pilots that I'm wondering if it won't be two years before we see any bid. I really hope this isn't the case, but look at the numbers on the economy and the lighter loads. We aren't really growing much and the age 65 deal is still up in the air. What's your guess?

 

At least 2 years. Maybe more!

 

There will have to be a bid for the 777 which will most likely open up secondaries on the 11 and Bus and generate a little movement. That doesn't necessarily mean we will need to hire but There will probably be another 757 within a year (depends on delivery schedule).

AGE 65, who knows? Will it allow over 60 guys to come back? How long from signing into law until implementation? Who knows. We will have to wait and see. If there isn't a bid bid allowing Old S/O's to return up front, many might elect to retire instead of preflighting and serving coffee and that could potentially open up 100 or so slots for poolies. Too many variables to predict

As as far as a MEGA bid?, I wouldn't expect one for a while. The US economy is in the tank, Oil in the $100/barrel range for the forseeable future, Fedex express revenues are down, we are trucking more domestic freight.

This is why the FDAs are vitally important to our long term success. Hopefully the company's European Hub expansion and Guanghou operations will prove profitable and more growth will stem from their success.

 

Here's a thought...the consensus is that the company will try to fill the remaining FDA seats with new hires. What if they can't? Then they'll be forced to modify the LOA to get them onboard, or even more desirable, entice more people on property to bid it; and out of fairness, any modification to the LOA will necessitate a new bid. Also, this is the first wave of pilots going to the FDA's. With the current LOA, It's doubtful that they will be able to fill future seats as they grow try to grow them. Let's fix this POS!

SG

 

SG,

While I do think some of our poolies will pass, some will jump at the chance to be part of this company...and it IS a good company. However, I'm sure we'll attract folks if we go to the street for more pilots. Guys like Whale pilot are out there and would jump at the chance to work for a solid company instead of the second or third tier 121 cargo operators out there. The demograhpic may be "different" than we've hired, but there are plenty of solid aviators out there who will want to join the team...even though the package lacks enough to attract the current folks.

 

I'm in! where do I sign? c u on fri.

 

We've been trucking more volume by ground for years now using tag team feeder drivers who will drive SDF-MSP or SDF-DEN nonstop for instance. You guys fly to more destinations than we do. Do you think you'll see an overall reduction in domestic flying as you grow the trucking side?

 

"The US economy is in the tank"????

By what definition?

 

By any definition

 

No. I'm serious. For someone with more than an Jr High education, by what definition is our economy in the tank? I'm wondering if anyone can provide specifics. Unemployment? Economic growth? Productivity? What measure does someone use to define our economy being "in the tank"?