PerpetualFlyer

Ummmm yea, that's what we're all saying in this thread...

HAL39

Let's pump the brakes here buddy...

First of all, you're representing your pilot group poorly by making such arrogant statements that can be interpreted as nothing more than bush league trash talk. Second, last September it was public knowledge that we were going to expand the LAX operation beyond the shuttle...so nice job putting 2+2 together there. It wasn't even decided whether or not we were going to open the base until a week before the announcement, so we weren't "sitting on it", as you'd say, for more than 5 days.

Third, and I have to preface this by saying I wish absolutely NO ill will on anyone at any other regionals. BUT...you believe we are a laughable regional because we have no assets and no growth. What we do have is better than owning a large number of illiquid assets...an agreement to fly 42 ERJ170's (all of which are owned by Delta) for Delta Air Lines through 2020. What we do not have is a large aging fleet of aircraft with 50 or fewer seats and no place to put them but in the desert. I sincerely hope leadership at these regionals have a solution to this problem beyond just getting more 76 seaters off the factory line at their own expense. I know both Republic and Skywest have won bids for additional flying because they offered to buy the aircraft where other regionals with more competitive offers would not. Between depreciation costs of acquiring new aircraft and sunk costs of aircraft being parked, that's a tall glass of $#!t to feed stock/stakeholders.

As far as no growth...well, why do pilots care at all about growth? Seniority. We have ~550 pilots, roughly 240 of which still have yet to go to Delta. So a 50% increase in seniority within 2 years without growth? I'll take it. Besides, I wouldn't be heartbroken if we don't grow until the flow is done so we can continue to be highly selective of our new hire candidates. We have a fantastic group of pilots and that is due in large part to the efforts of our recruiting department. Not to say we couldn't continue to be highly selective if we grow, but it will at least reduce the chances of hiring a few sour grapes.

All I'm saying is have a little couth, and think before you speak (or type). You never know if / when you might wish you would have put your foot in your mouth or accidentally spilled coffee on your keyboard

BrewCity

Uh ... guy who joined APC in March 2014 told us last September?

HAL39

HA! Nice catch

Jet87

One you get one look, from one guy, that you think is totally directed at you for flying an E175 in SLC ... I think thats a little self-centered on your part.
I always smile, nod, wave to the Compass Crews at Cafe Rio in Salt Lake.. I see you guys there all the time and have no problem. We are all in this regional mess together.

Cruz5350

There is a select few at every airline that are just ridiculous. They're a like a rotten apple and try and spoil the rest of the lot.

gojo

Ah yes, I remember that well when Mesaba increased their presence in SLC. I even got flipped off a few times as we taxied by. They want it all. I was in MSP last week and I looked down the C-concourse, I saw Skywest Inc. planes that were once operated by Horizon, Pinnacle, and Comair. Sad really at how greedy pilots are for increased flying. And thus the Regional whipsaw will continue

bretthull

Are newhires going to other bases aside from LAX?

CBreezy

I don't think the Skywest pilots begged for or really had anything to do with the acquisition of those airplanes. TSA flies old Mesa equipment and I highly doubt they are being underbid by anyone.

UPTme

New hires are in DTW before they hit the line. No chance of MSP currently with it shrinking to staff LAX.

Contract: Seems pretty cost neutral to me. Took one in the rear on vacation accrual. That's a $491 concession for a first year pilot with the loss of those 6 days. I know there are positives, but the vacation concession really stood out to me.