DL is now going to be flying LAX-SEA and return 3 times a day starting April 8! Eureka!














... but it's operated by a Skywest CRJ-900.

 

Gotta grow the market.

 

I agree: I can't imagine AF-KLM/AZ sitting still. AZ had to come out of the AF-KLM side of capacity. Why would we be spared the same with VA?

One solution I see is some kind of follow-on transaction with AF-KLM getting a piece of of VA. Maybe concurrent with / as a condition of, VA joining Skyteam (I'm pretty sure AF-KLM would have veto power). So maybe with a stipulation VA can only feed UK flying into LHR. Maybe with a face-saving arrangement on Virgin America, and a discrete face-saving minor role for Branson. Let's face it, the guy is a very marginal airline executive. I can't imagine our board or investors want to hang their hat on his restraint and wisdom.

Either way, there are a lot of pieces yet to be placed on the table, including the EASK ratios already in place, and the potential non-compliance with those. Add a potential addition of LCC to oneworld, and even our own FTDT (how many pilots does it take to fly to LHR at Delta, and at VA?)...

Could be a lot of wheeling-and-dealing here.

I just shivered a little. Is there a draft in here?

 

Yup, Virgin Atlantic is Branson's baby...I'd imagine other Virgin branded operations would cease in support of keeping Virgin Atlantic flying.

The extent of this transaction will make even Rube Goldberg blush...

Cheers
George

P.S. Lets hope the contractual EASK ratios, not the actual share of flying will be used as a starting point...

 

My Reps have been asked to request data on the deficit and seek specific performance in the event of a renegotiation before the cure period.

Say no to noncompliance by renegotiation. That flying is ours by our agreement, we are owed the repayment of the deficit, just as if your paycheck were shorted.

Sure has been a lot of stuff on the radar lately. When you write your Reps, be sure to thank them for their work.

 

FTB's Elf on the Shelf



It's the best I could do.

Grasshopper was more creative...



Jesse won.


Elf on the Shelf, teaching children to accept Stalkers since 2000 something.

 

Dude, do you ever fly?

You've got way too much (creative) time on your hands. I nominate you to do our next safety video. Those chumps in marketing got nothing on you.

Merry Christmas brother.

 

For Bucking, latest 9E union email:



The MEC reconvened at 7 p.m. this evening to consider whether to send the Tentative Agreement to the membership for ratification. The Negotiating Committee presented the final language for the Restructuring Agreement (which amends the terms of the JCBA) and a Bridge Agreement among Delta, Pinnacle, and ALPA (which includes fleet commitments and career progression, as well as longevity transition payments). After a full review of the documents, the MEC voted unanimously to recommend that the membership ratify the TA.



The Tentative Agreement differs substantially from the management’s 1113 proposal, but falls short of the original expectations of the MEC and the Pinnacle pilots. It reflects that Pinnacle Airlines is a financially insolvent entity in a regional industry that is contracting. These facts left Pinnacle wholly dependent upon Delta Airlines for survival. The terms of the Bridge Agreement recognize the pilots’ contribution to Pinnacle’s restructuring and provide us with a binding commitment from Delta that our airline will consist of at least 81 CRJ 900 aircraft. The Bridge Agreement also provides all Pinnacle pilots on the ISL with a career path to Delta. We view this as a significant achievement. However, because some of our pilots will face furlough as a consequence of the planned reduction of the CRJ 200 fleet over the next 2 to 3 years, the Bridge Agreement provides for furlough benefits packages that include pay, health care, passes, and an ATP for those with the requisite number of hours. Long Term Leaves (including Enhanced Long Term Leaves) will continue to be offered over the next several years, and we believe these leaves will greatly reduce the number of furloughs. The total number of projected furloughs for all of 2013 is approximately 150 pilots.



We plan to start road shows tomorrow in MSP (see details below), and we will release the full Tentative Agreement at that time. You will find that there are provisions that reflect the dire situation in which we find ourselves, but you will also find that numerous provisions that are important to us remain unchanged.



The MEC is recommending the Tentative Agreement to the membership for ratification not only because it is the only viable alternative to a wind down of the airline that would have been accomplished within approximately one year, but also because it provides all of our pilots with a meaningful range of options that would not otherwise have been available. Our goal was to ensure that all of our pilots are treated equitably in this transition, and although the provisions of the TA will affect pilots differently, we believe that you will find that the outcome is balanced.



The fact that this bankruptcy negotiation persisted as long as it did reflects our determination to get the best deal possible for our pilots. The bankruptcy court’s decision in our favor prevented us from facing unilaterally imposed terms and conditions, but could not change Pinnacle’s circumstances. It bought us time to negotiate terms that were far more favorable than those that were proposed by the company in August. We have attempted to offset or minimize the concessions every step of the way.



The irony of reaching a Tentative Restructuring Agreement exactly two years after the TA on the JCBA is not lost on any of us. All collective bargaining agreements reflect the economic environment in which they are negotiated, and this one is no exception. This TA represents a transitional period in which we hope to rebuild our contract and provide a stable platform from which our pilots will move to Delta and to other airlines as well.



We know that you will carefully consider all of the alternatives before you cast your vote in the New Year. We look forward to addressing your questions and concerns on the road shows, all-pilot calls, and through your P2P representatives. Thank you for your patience and support, and for maintaining a thoroughly professional and safe operation during a very challenging period.



Our unity is our strength.

 

I especially like the star with the pole. Well played sir.

 

Merry Christmas to you too Buzz!

Did you get Newk's Christmas card?

Anybody not get it? I got it somewhere here... let me post the picture... standby...





At some point, he's just showing off.


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