It's a really nice airplane, the first of the true "next gen" narrowbodies. Looks like a mini 787 and it basically is. If Boeing ever gets around to a new narrowbody design, I think it'll look a lot like this, only bigger. Ironically, it's airplanes like this that will make it necessary for Boeing to consider a new design, depending upon how successful Bombardier is with this plane.

I think they'll sell a lot of them, mainly overseas. I don't think DL would consider a purchase since we've already got the 717's coming online to fill that role. I understand it's an expensive plane...

If anything, I wouldn't be surprised if DL finds more 717's on the market soon. Volotea out of Spain launched 2 years ago out of Spain, right into the teeth of the economic crisis. Boeing has placed a bunch of airframes with them.

 

I don't disagree, I flew with a guy who has 3 kids in private school and was complaining that he was butting up against the block hour limit every month.

 

Bolded the part above to make this as clear as possible so you'll get it. In this case you're such a company man that you take "reduction in capacity" as "bye bye 50 seaters." I, on the other hand, realize that in addition to some 50 seaters there's some reduction in mainline as well. You fail to see that with your rose colored glasses, or at least you seem to be willing to impart that as what's taking place. Take the blinders off. We have a great company, one which I am proud to be a part of. But I won't pretend everything is rainbows and gumdrops. That kind of unrealistic viewpoint only leads to acceptance of how things are, and indicates an unwillingness to improve our status. But in your world a guy who isn't singing from the hilltops how life can't get any better is one who needs to leave. Just have to chuckle, really.

 

Stop assuming I think it will be all 50 seaters. I never stated so. You put those words in my mouth. And when did I imply everything was rainbows and gumdrops? I stated quite the opposite actually. Hence the further reduction over the Atlantic. Your anger must've clouded your vision. Maybe you should take up a hobby. I hear they can be therapeutic.

 

I don't disagree, I flew with a guy who has 3 kids in private school and was complaining that he was butting up against the block hour limit every month.

 

Not assuming, just reading what you wrote. No anger here, bud, just calling it as it is. Take my advice and don't expect yourself to be perfect; life's too short. I know the type that have to have the last word, and you're one of them. Good day!

 

Yet you assumed from that single sentence that my opinion was that it would be all 50 seaters. Did I state anywhere that it would be all 50 seaters? Once again, you assumed.

Never felt I am. Far from it, & proud of that. I'm fortunate enough to have a wife who loves me for who I am.

This statement is simply a loaded one. If I don't respond, then I can't defend my point. If I do respond, then you feel you're correct. It's a safety net for you.

 

 

I think some definitions must be in order.

"Upgauging" = moving from 50-seaters to 76-seaters. Mainline upgauging is clearly not happening, as we replace 757s with 737s, 737s with A320s, those airplanes with 88/90s, and 88/90s with 717s. It's not the kind of upgauging that brings pilot pay raises...check your pay category compared with two years ago for reference. (And I know there are exceptions...some have moved up, but not the average Delta pilot).

Sailingfun, I've seen projections that the mainline fleet will grow in the next few years. In those same calls, I've heard the word "flat" and "flattish" (very precise) used to describe our capacity in 2013 and 2014. So depending when you start the three year period you're asking about, I think they are already backing away from the increase in mainline aircraft or it was never true (or miscalculated) to begin with. Or, as they commonly do, maybe they were lumping the 76-seaters in with mainline. That's a way I could see reaching the projected number and keeping capacity "flattish" as promised.

Listening closely to the last few calls, you can hear them disassociating themselves with the 50 seaters. Listen to the December call posted a few pages back. Starting at 14:00: "No one likes them. Customers because they aren't comfortable, management because they aren't efficient, and pilots because they see those jobs as taking away their flying." Well, management, then how do you think pilots like the 76-seaters to which you are moving the 50 seat flying?

Actually starting to listen at 10:00 in is very enlightening as well. You'll hear them talk about just starting to take advantage of the efficiencies gained in the last contract to avoid hiring.

http://deltapilotsassociation.org/dp...llPosition=339. Scroll down and click on black box with green square. So what if its at the DPA site - it's straight from the mouth of management.

 

Repeat post.