Originally Posted by NuGuy (Post 821162)

Not to start the whole us vs them thing again, BUT, fNWA ran with more than 4 times the number of schedulers on duty PLUS a host of fairly impressive automation tools like the reroute software package and "the machine". This was for slightly less than half the current number in our combined pilot group.

I think someone asked RA what keeps him up at night lately, and he replied "automation and IT".

Nu

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 821140)

Scheduling is swamped. They have not increased the size of crew scheduling in proportion to the new size of the airline.They are working like dogs and moral is now at a all time low. Its a totally different crew scheds from 18 months ago. Let you CP's know how you feel about this. They need ammunition to force the company to hire more schedulers.

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 821146)

All the aircraft are coming out of the desert, In addition to the 757's in the desert the 757 fleet has been really underutilized. We have the ability to generate what amounts to 35 additional airframes by increasing the utilization back to historical norms. Add in the purchased MD 90's and some other airframes in the desert coming back and it has the same effect as purchasing 50 airframes.
There are as of last week no new aircraft purchases planned for the next 3 to 4 years. There was some talk of a 777 purchase but it seems dead unless something comes out of the 787 negotiations. Delta continues to take delivery of 737-800's but they are resold before they leave the factory to other airlines.

Originally Posted by sailingfun (Post 821140)

Scheduling is swamped. They have not increased the size of crew scheduling in proportion to the new size of the airline.They are working like dogs and moral is now at a all time low. Its a totally different crew scheds from 18 months ago. Let you CP's know how you feel about this. They need ammunition to force the company to hire more schedulers.

Originally Posted by scambo1 (Post 821129)

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I think part of the Detroit flying plus up is profitability. Maybe all of it since in business everything is done with profitability in mind. I do think New York construction does play a role in DTW expansion too. They're trying to get the schedule dust to settle before the construction dust. DTW is definitely one of the nicest airports in the system.

On a related note, I pose a question. Since we didn't furlough when we parked airplanes in the desert, and we are pulling those airplanes out now - which we are completely manned for - and we are parking DC-9s shortly - and we are hiring (lets say the 300 this year covers retirements) - All the folks being hired next year (assuming 100/month) are going to fly what?

Is there a purchase order somewhere that is waiting to be announced or am I a paranoid schizophrenic with catatonic qualities?

Is this where obi wan kenobi says these are not the droids you are looking for?

Originally Posted by Ad Lib (Post 821145)

The droid you are looking for is the EVO 4G.


My concern of the week is our own government and policies from the administration which are hostile to our industry. It seems to never fail in this tough business that just when you think you've got a quarter or two of smooth sailing a new, unexpected and dire threat pops up on the horizon. I don't think Obama and LaHood aren't going to be able to drive much business to AmTrack, but they sure can do some harm while trying.