jonnyjetprop

Mitsubishi has to get it certified before anything else.

Braniff DC8

You might see them wind up at places like Silver or other carriers with non binding scope clauses. You are right about it getting certified first as we've seen with other jets, ie; The Sukhoi NYet. They'll sell them cheap I bet and you may even see them at places like Frontier, Spirit etc...

Hey Johnny, where did you wind up and are you hiring?

MNPS 50N50W

Just heard from a good source within Swift, we are NOT HAPPY with the Eastern deal, and it may/will be called off. But that's not a surprise, why not squeeze Eastern for every dime while they are beyond repair. Those guys thought they were riding high, but their managers sold them out.

Triggs

As I understand it, there is no deal per se. Swift is getting the 2 remaining aircraft, and pilots an fa's are able to interview for jobs

MNPS 50N50W

Yes, Swift is getting the Eastern Pilots for next to nothing, off the street Captains. Not good for us currently here. But of the 16 Pilots left at Eastern that are supposed to come with the two 800's, I heard that 12 already have class dates, or are seriously looking elsewhere, as they're not happy with what Swith is offering. Some may come over, but will soon be gone when something better comes along. We will definitely end up loosing all the Eastern Pilots, and continue our revolving door 737 training for 135, and instructor Pilots. Great training program for SWA, AA, and others operating NG's

Braniff DC8

I know this may not be popular to say but if I may. Swift seems to have a lot of growth coming and they, like other carriers, need experienced Captains. The type of flying is not hand holding type stuff, it's very challenging. With this will come more people to train others to eventually upgrade.

I know it's not what you want to hear, and I understand your frustration but try and put it in perspective. My advice, is keep your head down, learn as much as you can, positive attitude and study, study, study!!! Being non-union. Swift will upgrade those it trusts and CAN. This is what often hurts people from getting commands at many places-ATTITUDE.

For what it is also worth, Swift may NOT want all the EAL pilot's. There are a few other 737 companies to source 737 drivers. This in turn makes those companies have to offer better packages and the cycle continues.

A lot of you may or may not remember to early 90's when you had to pay 10,000$ to fly a 1900 now you get a bonus and a quick command AND not many are flying 1900s anymore.

Swift will have to walk a fine line to keep and/or retain people. I think Swift has a bright future though.

mexipilot84

For those of you on the fence Swift has a job fair this week on Monday and Tuesday July 24 and 25th at panam East in MIA. 11a-6p Monday and 8a-5p Tuesday.

Triggs

I understand the agita over the street hire captains. I'm not thrilled with it, but there is a need for captains beyond what can be filled internally, do you not agree? That being said, those who are qualified to upgrade need to be given the opportunity ASAP, and if that's not possible due to staffing levels, then bypass pay should happen. As for the Eastern pilots who don't like the deal they got,, I feel bad that they lost their job due to mismanagement, but to go to an interview making demands is foolish. I suggest trying that at SWA and see how far it gets them

Shrtfild

Their are 12 Eastern pilots left plus one management pilot for 2 737-800. Eastern pilots did not demand any pay when they interviewed with Swift. We were told by the CEO that our pay would remain the same when Eastern and Swift merge and that the pay for the swift pilot would be brought up to Eastern level. Of the 12 remaining pilots 9 have interviewed with Swift and non of them have been offered a job and chances are they will not either that is the opinion of the few friends I have left at Eastern who have interviewed.
As far as the management, you are correct the CEO and the second CEO along with the board members and the chief of staff screwed everything royally and we will all be left to wonder what could the potential have been.
But the current Swift management are no stars either. There only success has been when they put a company into bankruptcy or pick one up in bankruptcy, because they pay creditors pennies on the dollars on what they owe them and give pay cut to the employees.
The first sign that a company is already in trouble is when they don't have enough qualified pilots to up grade do to lack of experience.
Time will tell.
Remember United you bargain divided you beg.

81pilot

Eastern pilots have already been offered jobs. Some are taking it, some are not. First group will go when the firat airplane goes around the end of August. We all understand what happened and that Swift just bought the assets from Eastern. New company, new rules, new pay scale. Yes, we were lied to. Only time will tell about growth or demise. It can go either way.