North American
 

Does anybody know what is going on at NA? Future hiring?

I have a contact over there...all is quiet. I think they are supposed to work on a new contract next year. No word on hiring though. Im keeping a close eye on that place.

Anything about converting a 757 to a combi? Reasons, expanding business model to cargo?

I think AMC (military) is asking for one, from what I've seen.

Perhaps to replace an aging DC-8-62 Combi that ATI flies for AMC.

Latest NAA gouge from my contacts over there:

Up to 3 757s to be converted to combis: 10 pallet/44 seat rigs. AMC has asked for bids for combi service. The conversions will go forward IF NAA gets the contract.

They just announced Edmonton and Calgary subservice to Honolulu and Maui for Westjet. Looks like Westjet either doesn't have a union or has ZERO scope language.

From ATWOnline:

WestJet to wet lease 757-200 for added Hawaii capacity
By: Aaron Karp
WestJet said Tuesday it will wet lease a Boeing 757-200 from North American Airlines to be used on Calgary-Honolulu-Maui and Edmonton-Maui routings from Feb. 12-April 30, 2011, subject to Canadian government approval. NAA will operate the aircraft on behalf of WS, providing pilots, flight attendants and maintenance personnel. WS operates an all 737NG fleet comprising 91 aircraft.

"This temporary lease will allow WestJet to provide additional capacity," EVP-Strategy and Planning Hugh Dunleavy said. "With this leased aircraft, we'll be able to seat 193 guests, an increase from using our own 737-700s … While the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft is ideal for WestJet, there are select situations where a longer-range aircraft is more ideally suited."

Here's the NAA release:

WestJet Selects North American for Hawaii Service

We have a new commercial passenger contract with Canada-based WestJet to operate one Boeing 757-200 for non-stop service between Calgary and Honolulu and Maui, and between Edmonton and Maui, subject to government approvals. We will operate the service six times a week from Feb. 12, 2011, to April 30, 2011.

WestJet will rely on North American’s B-757 to provide additional capacity for guests travelling from the two Canada cities to Hawaii, with a significant increase in seating over their own 737-700s. This will provide the only daytime schedule in both directions that offers convenient non-stop service to and from Calgary, Edmonton, Maui and Honolulu. A WestJet service ambassador will be on board each North American flight to ensure that the WestJet guest experience is consistent with the airline’s standards and expectations.

As background, WestJet serves a 71-city North American and Caribbean network with a modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The airline pioneered low-cost flying in Canada and has been inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and was named one of Canada's best employers.

is there any attrition at NA? AA is in the process of recalls, is there any furllowed guys at NA from AA?

I don't know about attrition, but I can tell you this...one of my pals is the junior line holding Captains over there. He has just short of 19 years seniority. NAA builds very few hard lines and LOTS of reserve lines. That's the nature of the charter beast, though.