When I interviewed back in January, they offered me any class this year from the next available class, which was 2 weeks from my interview, and gave me the choice of 200/900 or 900 only classes. I believe that has changed to all 200/900 classes (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I had to defer until July due to contractual obligations with my current employer. I can't wait to start on July 25th!

 

I had my interview about 2 weeks ago and someone I was there with took the May 9th class date and there was another guy who had a contract he couldn't get out of till October and they let him sign up for a October class date. You can move your class back or forward if needed, they just ask that you give them at least a 2 weeks notice. Also expect to get a call the same day you apply, I applied and got a call about 30 minutes later.

 

I applied on 4/19, got a call on 4/20, interviewed 4/26, and picked first available class on May 23rd. You can pick a class every two weeks all year.

 

Will Delta's C series order effect 9E in the long run?

 

No more or less than any other contract carrier. Too early to speculate. It's 75 jets coming online not for another two years. For comparison, Endeavor alone has 81 CRJ-900s.

 

Someone linked this on the endeavor pilots forum but a recent interview with Ed states that the within 5 years the plan is for 50 seaters to disappear. It starts around 21:30 in the video. Think I have a question for the next executive earshot.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-05-01/delta-s-new-ceo-bastian-global-expansion-key-to-growth?cmpid=yhoo.headline

 

They are no longer putting people into classes for specific equipment. It is all based on demand now. So my class got lumped into DTW and NYC. I imagine they will still be pushing for DTW 200 and NYC 200 hard this summer. The 200 is the place to be for QOL. Last I checked the most Jr 200 FO's holding a line were hired in January.

 

I find it hard to believe the smallest aircraft in the Delta operation would be 70+ seats, but it's definitely interesting. That would be a massive reduction not just for us but ASA and Skywest.

 

I read that this will also be replacing the MD-88/90 as well. So be interesting how it plays out. Not sure how far that will trickle down towards 9E or not.

 

... He didn't say they will gone in five years, only said that within 5 years they will probably disappear. Which makes sense as they get older and Delta upgauges. This wasn't some grand fleet plan announcement...

"Were low fuel prices a consideration in the decision to update your fleet now?"

E: "No, not at all. We are thinking long term. We are thinking that the premium traveler deserves to have a better quality experience and over time we have been focused, whether it's been on the announcements we made the other day about purchasing the C series and bringing that product to the market, or what we are doing with our international cabin, our Delta one cabin"

"You were in a particularly advantageous position when it came to negotiating with Bombardier. Did you get a good deal?"

Ed: "A great deal. And they got a great deal too"

"Now, was part of the reason to do a deal with Bombardier to preserve a fourth manufacturer in the commercial airline business?"

Ed: "No. I wouldn't say that. It's a benefit that you have, not just preserve a manufacturer, but bring Bombardier into the narrow body sector of our business where we've really only had Airbus and Boeing product considerations. We're thrilled with the fact that we have a third choice now in the small narrow body market as we upgauge the airline. The regional marketplace that they have long served, the 50 seaters, are essentially done. They are not building anymore, that product over the next five years will probably disappear. And the two class product, which gets up to the 76 seat category, is going to continue to, I think shrink, and get to be a smaller part of our fleet for lots of reasons. Fuel prices rising are one of those, the cost of maintaining the smaller planes, there are more revenue opportunities to upgauge, and I think another important factor is it brings flying back to the mainline, back to having Delta people serve those customers. It's about jobs and it's about providing a better revenue offering"