Wow... Thanks for the quick replies guys. I'm definitely going to be strongly considering making the switch to the CRJ side before its too late. As far as the ERJs go, what's causing all the uncertainty?

 

I guess the question should actually be why is the company dismantling the ERJ side?

 

It's been mentioned adnauseum, however our mainline partner United, whom the ERJ side exclusively services, has decided along with industry wide consensus, to get rid of the lion's share of 50 seaters and upgauge to larger 76 seat regional jets. It so happens that the great majority of United 50 seat flying is done by the ERJ side of Expressjet. The larger RJ's slated to replace the majority of that 50 seat flying, have already been placed with other carriers for the most part. That's a hard and fast summary of the situation thus far. I'm sure other's will elaborate on or correct my synopsis where applicable.

-2263

 

That's mighty fine, grade A trolling right there.

If you're for real, do some fargin research into the company you're about to commit yourself to.

 

Don't listen to all the doom and gloomers on the ERJ side. Lot's still unknown about what the plan is for the United flying.

 

I've done my fair share of research but there's only so much you can learn about a company without actually asking someone who is going to tell you like it is. I figured this would be a good place to get some honest answers about the direction this company is heading.

 

Nobody REALLY knows, but unless a contract is agreed upon, the airline will continue to shrink one way or the other.

Regional airlines as a whole will shrink, the amount of airframes agreed upon in major airline scope agreements dictate that already. The question is: who will fly those planes? Right now the CRJ side at least has the 700/900 and can fly those because that is what delta wants.

But when you have a ton of 50 seat airplanes that aren't wanted, especially at the current rates they are flown for, Expressjet/Skywest INC can't continue to bid on contracts where they would lose money. Other regionals have cheaper contracts with their pilots, their bid is better and we all know mainline carriers will go to the lowest bidder. Just look at the out station personnel.

So, unless the ERJ and CRJ guys come together and work out a contract that saves Skywest INC money, little to no new contracts will be had. And as people jump ship to other regionals, it further increases the chances Expressjet will continue to shrink since those airlines that people are going to now have more pilots to fly more aircraft on new contracts. Plus majors are hiring like crazy and Expressjet will probably see close to 100 guys a month leaving for quite some time, just a guess though on that number.

This is the vicious cycle of the regional world. It truly is dog eat dog. But, you can not blame the individual pilot that jumps ship as he/she is just trying to further enhance their career/outlook/quality of life and the chance to hopefully move on to a major airline or LCC etc.

You honestly might be okay as far as keeping your job and not getting furloughed on the ERJ side, as long as guys continue to leave you will be needed as the airplanes leave and the ERJ side shrinks. But I would definitely plan on being on the bottom, on reserve for quite some time unless a contract happens and E175 flying is won. IF that were to happen, then you would see guys coming on below you to fly that airplane, and you will still see people leaving to go fly for the big boys. If that flying isn't won, the airline will be a fraction of what it is today in the coming years as planes are parked.

On the CRJ side, you will see the 200 phase out, but the 700/900 are still wanted. Again you will probably be on the bottom for quite some time unless they get more airplanes. Guys will continue to leave for other jobs but overall the CRJ side will shrink as well unless a pilot contract is attained that allows INC to bid of flying for a profit.

If you have the time to get hired at some other places I would definitely go to the interviews and think hard about it. You will be happier in the long run as movement will be better. When things are moving, pilots as a whole are much happier people. Mesa, Compass, PSA, TSA, Air Wisconsin, Skywest. Off the top of my head those airlines are getting new aircraft, new contracts and will see movement. Guys at those airlines will be leaving as well to go to majors, so even more movement. Skywest is big though and still at 8 year upgrades, but they will get flying before Expressjet does, so more stability.

 

The post above is above is spot on. Nobody knows what will happen, but the outlook is not optimistic right now (at least until the single contract passes, and that is not even on the horizon). The other thing the new hire has to realize is that the next class is just a class of six and no more classes are planned. You will be at the bottom of the seniority list for a long time, and that is a very depressing place to be. The last thing to mention is that the only reason the company has a class on the ERJ side is that they need to get a certificate for the initial AQP training, so expect to be closely monitored by the FAA during your training. I would be looking around for a better place to go now. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

That is not completely true. Yes the December class is for certification purposes but hiring is to begin in the new year. I heard it from the VP today with my own ears.

 

You're right. Good post. I will add to anyone reading who is considering XJT as a future place of employment: We are shedding unprofitable contracts and are currently putting ourselves in a position where we are A: Financially healthy and B: Solidily staffed to deliver a top notch product in terms of reliability to our mainline partners. Our performance at the moment is the best it has been since our merger. I feel that XJT as a whole is being well positioned to move forward in 2015. Whether this happens or not is anyone's guess and 2015 will be the year that either makes or breaks this airline and determines it's long term future. I have a good feeling about it.

In regards to a JCBA...the PBS issue will be settled shortly (within 120 days) by a mediator's decision and we can hopefully move forward with that in 2015 as well.