This is from the 4/2014 newsletter...

"Many pilots have questioned why we are adding to the 7ER F/O when the 757 fleet is being reduced over the coming years. The 7ER flying is very seasonal and the summer months are the peak season. At this time, we simply do not have enough 7ER F/Os to fly the 2014 summer schedule and must add quickly if we want to take advantage of all the summer revenue opportunities. Once the summer flying is complete, we will reduce the pilot count on the 7ER. Throughout the remainder of 2014 and into 2015, we will continue to receive 717s and 739s. In 2015, we will also receive four new 330s. Our plan is to reduce the 7ER pilot count by not backfilling as 7ER pilots bid off. If enough 7ER pilots do not bid off, we will post displacements. While that is not our preferred option, our responsibility is to ensure we have the correct number of pilots in position to take advantage of all possible revenue opportunities."

I sure hope they don't displace, but it's not looking good. Maybe they'll change their mind and not retire the 757's as quickly as anticipated? They can cover a lot of the west coast flying with the DTW and ATL 737 bases as we get the -900's. Have they mentioned anything about a narrowbody base in SEA? It seems they're doing a good job feeding with the 76 seaters. Any talk of upgauging those RJ's to mainline in SEA?

Thanks Brother. Cheers

"Not looking good" might be a bit of a stretch - there have been a number of recent west coast ERB awards that were the result of backfilling - with late summer/fall conversions. In fact, there have been a bunch of ER awards system wide with late conversions. I know they stated that they wanted to pump up for the summer flying, but September or later conversions aren't going to help much there. My guess is there actually has been a large exodus of guys bidding off the right ER seat and they're having to backfill just to keep the fleet staffed for the rest of the year (not just for summer). Though, as one of the western backfillees, I might be a bit overly optimistic

Beer just spit all over computer.

Carl

There's a surprise. A management lackey working hand-in-glove with a Dalpa shill.

Purple, don't poke the sheep . Now well have to listen to how great management and DALPA is for 12 pages.

Off for AM jog, hopefully the yes men are gone by afternoon.

To be replaced by the no men? I'm not sure they're any better.

I think there was a sizeable exodus from ERB to say 717A, at least here in the ATL. Because if you are a 717B you know that you're going to have 12/98 passengers, derate of 54, flaps 5, approach will be 134 with flaps 40 and manual brakes and your Captains name is Tim, he is a good guy to fly with and he came off the ER.

Book it.

Umm, go Dolphins!