pinseeker

As long as they are hiring, they have to buy the lines up. If they stop hiring, and the SAM drops below 68 hrs, then things get interesting.

rvfanatic

How much is a “fair amount”? Are you commenting on just one fleet?

MEMA300

I havent understood the manning formula bcz seems to me we have been fat for awhile. But the company really doesnt suffer from overmanning since they can reduce our pay so easily.

iHateAMR

You’ve been here long enough to see the staffing number change from Dec 31st to Jan 1st. Relax and drink a nice porter, it’ll be fine.

Skytrucker01

So for those of us that are waiting in line for an Indoc date...can you expand on that comment about the manning numbers?


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UnusualAttitude

Not sure the total number of pilots retiring on 12/31 this year but likely around 150. Most of these are widebody Captain’s so it creates some rapid upward movement in those seats. My experience (this will be my 4th peak) is that the other than longer sort times the company has manned the airline to ensure that our level of service during peak is exceptional. It has been the last several years. On 12/31 when those pilots retire we also see a drop in daily volume and after everyone sends back their gifts that don’t fit we really see a return to normal in February, although Valentine’s Day is very busy. Other than the mentioned longer sort times and some additional tour America lines, peak has been business as usual the last few years.

My view from the cheap seats is that this is all done very intentionally. Unfortunately this year, due mainly to external factors (trade war and Brexit mainly) some of our growth numbers aren’t hitting targets. Therefore we may see some slow down and change to the training plan but I think the overmanning in some seats will he absorbed by the needs in other seats coupled with continued retirements. The sky is not falling just yet. We look forward to you joining us on the line.

-UA

Skytrucker01

Great info and yes...can’t wait to wear purple!


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LunkerHunter

It benefits the company to be overmanned during the upcoming negotiation as well. imho

PurpleToolBox

In the months after C2015, the company posted on to PFC a news article saying the Board of Directors had approved Flight Operations to hire 200+ extra pilots. It said something about being ahead of the hiring wave and to prevent shortages. I never screenshot the article and today I can't find it. I told my pilot friends at the time "FedEx is never going to allow us to be short again."

Does anyone have a copy of that article?

Fdxlag2

Would the company rather have 100 pilots flying 100 hours a month or 10 pilots flying 1,000 hours a month. All things being equal it is expensive to over man and cut hours. There maybe some contract gamesmanship, but 4A2b is expensive for the company and I still prefer it to a furlough.