ACL,

You're thinking strategically and logically. Though I agree that our managment is better than most, do you actually think they're planning 10-20 years into the future? To what gain is that to them? I would be amazed if the expanded business model is much past 3-5 years. Unless RA is planning on becoming the future CEO of Boeing I don't see long term thinking. Just my thoughts...but what do I know???

I did a bunch of math to claim you were wrong and in fact, what you wrote is correct.

Kind of like the 757-200. I don't know who would order the -100 version of the thing, unless they needed a "special performance" version, which Bombardier is offering. Of course the -130 has much longer range and a much larger cabin than the CRJ derivative.

Jets have a two year lead time, so if we are thinking of taking delivery in the 2012 to 2013 time frame, then it is the right time to place orders.

During this election season there is a lot of tough talk on scope. At the same time Delta could sure use a few more large RJ's to use as an inducement to DCI operators to open contracts and park 50 seaters. As ACL65 points out, the operational costs are similar to our prospective new jets (and cheaper than our old outdated mainline equipment). Add to the mix the cash that SkyWest and Republic have to "invest" in new "Delta" equipment and the fact that our MEC is denying knowledge of any "new orders" .. .. well, I'll just say that no mainline orders are bad news.

I still wish we were working on capturing the E175 and not working on divesting their pilots from our representative body.

I fear this fight is going to again be brought to our doorstep.

Folks please attend and participate in the election process in your Local Councils. It is important to elect someone who will represent your interests.

With mainline equipment for some reason they do take a longer term view.

With outside vendors they are much more likely to order the flavor of the day.

My guess is that it has to do with the cost of mainline jets and the length of payment obligations. Conversely many third party vendors of lift services will sign very short term lease deals and generally, those obligations are not on Delta's bottom line.

I too understand this. It is, and always has been, a fact of airline life. I was not trying to demean any one individual, just trying to open some eyes. WAY back when I was a junior guy, there was a choice to be made, do we take a pay cut, or allow the company to furlough some of the bottom guys. I flew with a LOT of CA's who said "screw 'em, just don't cut my pay". It's easy to say, "just because I fly a few extra hours each month, no harm can come of it". Unfortunately, A FEW EXTRA HOURS X 12,400 translates into no flying for the bottom guys.
Please understand that I personally am not affected by these decisions, I'm only trying to help the guys that are affected.
My last post on this matter.

Delta doesn't need an inducement for DCI operators to open contracts. The wholly owned have no contracts, and they're shrinking rapidly. The contract DCI operators have prorate resets built into them, and Skywest/ASA is feeling that pinch right now. There is no way they'll be able to meet their cost goals, so they will lose flying.

I agree that it's important to participate and elect someone who will represent pilot interests, not someone who will pander. I can't wait to hear candidates take an APA stand (C2K+30%, scope, etc.) and then listen how they're going to deliver that package!:)

As a junior guy, what your saying seems great to me, but as much as I would like to blame the senior guys who ''work the system'' I really have no basis. These guys work the system that is layed out in our PWA, maybe it's a loophole, maybe it's not, but either way it the contract supported by our pilot group. I would love to fly more, however it's all a big part of the seniority wheel.

Now if your talking about picking up open time with furloughed guys on the street, then your talking somehing completely different. I don't think you can compare the two scenarios in anyway.

Anyway you look at it the junior reserve pilots are the buffer to keep the machine going when the crap hits the fan. The company is on the heavy side with pilot staffing anyway, so it's natural to see alot of junior guys sitting at home.

On the bright side it gives us something to complain about on APC.

Couldn't agree more, just filled out my ballot for council 20 and chose those few who mentioned SCOPE in their campaign emails. :)

Who's sitting around? I get used every reserve block. Flew three trips this month, TLV, NCE, and FRA. The only reason I didn't get a fourth was I was 11 hours short of ALV and nothing in the bid package is less than 11+40. I like sitting around. I like days off. It ain't all about the money to me.

RES ER JFK

This is a true statement! Our own union said for years high time doesn't effect staffing...... Well guess what, I am friends with one of the previous communication officers and he was asked to write an article stating this. He said bring me the supporting data so I can write it. Ends up he wouldn't write the article as the data didn't support the claim. Sometimes we as pilots are our own worst enemies!
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You and me both bro, I had three trips and 5 days vacation this month. Right now I'm enjoying the last 8 days of the month off since any flying in open time would not pass the 70 hour mark. Life is good !