hmmm... guess who has 12 747-400's, which is very close to 11

 

Couldn't agree more. I think the sales job was a little strong on this TA but after four contracts I have been through I haven't seen one that wasn't. We also did a little hiring after our merger but I am very happy and shocked that we didn't furlough at all after trimming the overlap from merging two very large legacy airlines. Not so happy that we are not seeing any forward movement post TA but more than that I am glad I didn't get furloughed after the merger. I do think though that once the deliveries of five(?) airplanes a month 737/717 we will see that movement we want.

Not to mention the minute I try to say something negative about what my junior life is like at Delta to my friends at Mesaba I am quickly reminded to "shut up I would give my left arm to be in your stagnant shoes." So its that perpective thing that keeps reminding me to keep my "airline pilot life" expectations in check. It seems easier for civi guys to do over the military guys who never flew for years at a crappy regional to get the hours.

 

"Virgin’s deal with Delta, which is still waiting for regulatory approval, sparked speculation that the US giant could ditch the airline brand Sir Richard Branson created in 1984 – an accusation that was vigorously denied"

The theory there is that DAL would purchase the 49% stake in the company and sit by as VA's losses mount, then shift the LHR slots over to DAL as VA shrinks to the point of fiscal viability.
Can't see that theory panning out, and I'm not even sure something like that would be possible.

Anyone know how the slots work out in the UK. Can a carrier, such as VA, sell off some of there slots as a way to bring in capital, or do the slots get released back to the local airport authority?

 

Looks like they had a bunch (10 or so) A330s delivered in the past 1-2 years. Appears they were also scheduled to start taking deliveries of some 787s on 2014. I'm guessing with those aircraft orders on the books they could schedule a draw down of their 747s with hurting their feed in the transition.

 

Don't forget GOL.

 

Just for fun, looked at 717A ATL. I'm 25xx and there is one above me with 717A as first choice... was a bit surprised at that... I get that being no. 1 is kewl... just not 25yrs kewl at that pay rate (even with GS's)!

 

The 88/90 will have fancy glass soon and won't be doing the RJ flying that the 717 will probably do, and pay more. And the 89 will have lots of GSs, I'm not sure the 717 will have that for years. This summer im tempted to bid days off at the beginning of the month and see how it goes. Hell May and April might be apt for that with the way we are staffing reserves.

From what I calculated from my W2 my pay on the 717 will equal what I made last year before the contract.

 

And that's why the "see how many sr to me have bid it" function is worthless.

Doesn't take into account qualifiers, and only looks at first 3 bids.

Bid what you want, want what you bid

 

Just wait till we drag all those VA guys and their jets to ATL, (I heard on the next AE or whatever they call it at VA that will show'em) I'm thinking a Barg Inn somewhere down near Spondivits (sp?) might make them feel at home.

Fun little 'ditty' going across the pond a few months ago. A Virgin dude said something on 123.45 (an actual professional question as I recall) followed by a voice from nowhere that said, "Virgin.....we're coming for your women"

Loved it!

Ferd

 

Winners are expensive.