CloudSailor

I have lately heard from 3 or 4 guys around 1-5 years seniority at FX, that they are considering leaving for UA or DL, and in a couple of cases maybe AA. I have only heard from a few guys, but I would guess there are many guys looking at this possibility. It has made me think a little bit about that option, even though I love my job here, love the cargo world, and cannot wrap my head around the thought of going back to flying pax with flight attendants. However, I could handle pax and FA's by living in domicile and flying while the sun is up.

What guys are concerned about, in no particular order: Fred's retirement and his eventual successor, the shift from Express to Ground, UAV's in the 10-15 year horizon, stagnation here as we maybe align the airline to the UPS model, etc...

The way I see it, it really is all cyclical and a best-bet guessing game. Leaving FX for UA/DL/AA in the 90's made sense, then after 2001 it didn't (obviously not even possible), now, after 2013 it might make sense again. What will the next two decades hold for the US pax and cargo carriers? I feel the threat from the Middle Eastern carriers is bigger for the legacies than for us. But, no matter what, the legacies will be retiring guys by the thousands, starting now. It seems 5-year stagnation due to the age 65 rule has run its course there, not so much here.

So, as I said, I'm happy here, I wouldn't want to apply/interview/begin at the bottom of another seniority list, for the 4th frickin' time, but, I do understand where some of the younger guys in my seniority range are coming from.

Just curious, what do my APC brethren opine with their crystal ball?

Busdrivr

Just one word. Furlough .

Sideshow Bob

Here comes the fecal cyclone...such blasphemy!

CompetentFool

If I were at Fedex for 5 years, there's no way I'd leave for another airline. Less than 5, I'd certainly entertain the thought. Btw, why do you only fly nights? Maybe you should get senior in ur seat and enjoy the day side of our operation.

MaxKts

So you think someone with 5 years or less seniority would be able to hold day flying? You must be from Colorado and enjoying some of the new "legal" stuff!

MeXC

Oh! Wow! That's the answer I've been looking for and just haven't been able to figure out! "Just get senior." Brilliant!
>>facepalm<<

FDXLAG

This is the ALPA Mindset. Hey I made wide body captain in 10 years, if I did it anyone can do it.

HKFlyr

I think we should give away scope, retirement at 60, non seniority pilots managers flying revenue trips...only way to keep airline afloat.(putting down crack pipe now)

UAVs, Fred's retirement...come on...show some stones!

The sky isn't falling. Publicly traded well managed international corporation, poised well for upturn in economy. Buying new planes, managing costs fantastically...(UAVS ain't happening for a while and doubtful on a large transport scale, unless for space (and even they go boom on a frequent basis) - and the nasa model isn't paying dividends)

I'm here 18 years...almost went to American 16 years ago...would have been biggest mistake of my life.

The sky ain't falling...they want to go to legacies...good luck - fair winds and following seas. Despite our problems and challenges, this is still one of the best places to be.

CompetentFool

No, I just know people who've been here less than 5 years who sit B reserve in MEM and rarely work nights. They also rarely work more than 6-7 days a month. So if you're willing to move then yes you can be here less than 5 yrs and work days.

CompetentFool

Haha, this is perfect. I'm always accused of being a company guy and now I'm being accused of being an ALPA guy! Btw, I did make w/b capt in 10 years. This will give me almost 25 years here at w/b pay.