Well not exactly leading a charge. I didn't know there was a rumor floating around about it still. Am I missing something?

Since the first few 717's won't even arrive until August 2013, I doubt "entry level pilots" will be training for them prior to the Jul.-Oct. 2013 time frame.

I was under the impression that the need hire in late 2012 was to:
1) provide cushion for the start continuous training forthe 737's that start to arrive in early 2013,
2)the RMA program and associated backfill,
3)and the increase in staffing required for the VAC/TRNG credit that go into effect in 2013.

Just talked to a CPO type and he stated so far about 100 guys, mostly FNWA, have signed up for the early out. But, we're not even at the half way point this month, and he said many are probably waiting until the last moment, still thinking about it.

Anyone remember the last early out?

How many took it?

Did most pilots drop papers at the last minute in that one also?

How many backed out during the "two-week window"?

The ALPA r&i guy says that 10% of applicants typically pull their papers at the last minute. His guess was about 270 would take the deal in the end.

More people pull their papers last minute than put them in.

The downside of this early out is that it is by category / number allowed to leave in category AND seniority.

IOW, if the 74A's are capped at 25 and 26 74A's put in their papers, boom the program is over and 25 guys retired early.

That said, I think it will make it down to whatever seniority meets the requirements.

The real question here is, how many of those early outs is the company going to REPLACE??

In the last early out program, I think the final number was about 182(?), yet how many of those positions were replaced in later A/E's?

I don't recall seeing much back filling afterwards.

Just a tidbit of info and keeping a abrest of our #1 competitor

I've always heard that if American tried to merge with Alaska, Delta would push a merger with Alaska. AA is trying, but AS said no apparently.

Alaska Air responds to American merger talk - Portland Business Journal