On a slightly different note: rumor has it that we might be hiring this fall? How does attrition look like? Are a lot of people jumping ship at the higher end of the seniority list now? When I went on military leave over a year ago most people anywhere near the bottom of the FO list couldn't leave fast enough. Anyone hear anything?

The Hotline on the 10th gave numbers on attrition and fleet plane. A net loss of 16 airplanes by the end of the year and anticipated attrition of 168 pilots. Almost works out perfect for the company.

Under presently known fleet plans and attrition try 2016.

Lots of simulator training going on in both Minneapolis and Toronto. New airplanes arriving this fall. If attrition exceeds staffing demands, they will hire. :)

"if" attrition exceeds staffing. Sure. And what is going to cause attrition to exceed staffing? 2,000+ pilots for 150ish airplanes by the end of the year? Transition training for the -200 to -900 will be drastically shortened once the fence is down. I just don't see it happening without additional equipment contracts.

Keep hearing that if they can get the fences down there is a good shot at the gojet 700's. Union denies it, but we all know how that works.

I know for a fact a certain manager said we will have to hire OR get rid of airframes sooner if attrition keeps up. Now, this was said a few months ago and my understanding is attrition has slowed considerably from its highs of 60+. I wouldn't be surprised if an upgrade class or 2 happens by the end of the year. Contrary to popular belief, more CAs are leaving than FOs.
Also, remember many majors begin interviews and pick up hiring in the fall. A late hiring class at the end of the year isn't out of the question. Also, how are we losing a net of 16? We do lose 16 AC but we also are taking deliveries of 900s starting in Sept, I thought.

Who would be dumb enough to go to 9E with 200s going away and the near rock bottom payscale?

Don't know, but we know 85% voted yes for that. I think the Pinnacle contract with Delta passed by a wider margin than Delta's own contract ... go figure.

Present: 181 airframes
Jan 1, 2014: 165 airframes
June 1, 2014: 154 airframes