understood but 9/11 caused a nearly 8 year deadzone in hiring. that caused a big seniority gap. over that same time time frame the company cut all the fat off the bone and slimmed down. this puts the company in a position to grow because theres not whole lot more to cut. Throw in the fact that the RJ bubble has burst and theres a good chance that potential growth combined with guaranteed attrition that a new hire should move up pretty quick, should being key word ;)

We'll see

Of course it can, but Age 65 is right around the corner. Go to Deltanet, Flight Ops page, & take a look at the Age 65 retirements. The numbers speak for themselves.

I think most of us are "optimistically prudent" about our future. I learned long ago to look at the seniority list from the bottom up. Though I'm happy the old geezers are leaving, I'm thrilled to see new blood flowing in.

I checked the DAL retirement numbers.

2010 = 3
2011 = 8
2012 = 19
2013 = 102
2014 = 162

Not alot of promise, but better than the past 2.5 years.

Roadie,

Look at 2017-2033. Remember, these are Age 65 numbers. Most guys are retiring before that.

That's 7-23 years from now...... A lot can happen between now and then. Like was posted above viewing the seniority list from the bottom up is the best way to view where you stand.

Ok Mr. Pessimist. :p

No one is denying that things can change, but even with no growth there will still be movement. It's going to happen. People will retire.

Add that a lot more then 3 people have retired in 2010. Most guys likely won't make it to 65. It's silly for a newhire to look at the bottom of the list and say ok I'm going to be here for the rest of my career.

As long as there is no negative growth, aka, AMR, UAL, and retirement isn't somehow changed to 70.

Yes, but people will STILL retire.

Not a pessimist, a realist ;) Contraction can happen as well, this industry is very cyclic and my hope is we are into a sustained growth period......