Ooh, that’s a good one. I hadn’t heard that yet. Thanks.

75/76 Fleet Update:

"I have received many questions regarding a System Bid. Due to the uncertainties surrounding our current operating environment, execution of a bid is on hold for the foreseeable future."

For the triple, the training letter will run out in late summer/early fall with roughly 20 Capt and 10 FO remaining at this post. Aug dates not filled yet. Then it varies from month to month with FDA returnees and the various FLX types but those are ones and twos.

Additionally, currently there’s a slowdown at the schoolhouse with device sanitization between sim periods so that slows down sim periods and training output.

We were supposed to get 2 more triples in ‘20 but I believe the triple production line is shut down or at least is suspended at Everett. The first one was a June delivery I think so IDK how far down the line it had progressed (if at all) before production was stopped. My guess (and that’s all it is) ... we get 1 triple this yr but will get 4 next year; 3 scheduled plus the other one that was programmed for a ‘20 delivery.

And finally, the number I have heard is 40ish on retirements on the triple by yrs end.

That’s a lot of background just to say, that in the triple at least, I think a bid will be needed by yrs end with retirements and probably an additional jet joining the fleet.

HOWEVER... with the current liberal application of VLT, DFT, RAT, voluntary trip extensions, vacation buy-back, etc, the company has opened up the checkbook and trips are being flown. That could easily continue and mitigate a shortfall in crews until the summer when most vacations kick in across all fleets, then we’ll see.... the old lady/old man is gonna want a vacation when this is all done.

And, sim periods in the triple can be off station and/or draconian hours of the night. Jets can be traded pre-certification during or before production.

Although I think we’ll have a bid this yr it’s really just my guess. There are some known variables and metrics with jets and retirements which, IMO, drive a bid by yrs end at the latest.

Training will be ramping back up:

"Due to the increase in extra sections and charters, we were unable to post a realignment bid this spring as originally planned. However, we will begin hiring 757 First Officers right away to shore up staffing needs on the fleet. In addition, we will hire 767 First Officers to staff FY21 aircraft deliveries. The 767 fleet currently stands at 85 with 18 coming into the fleet in FY21. In addition, some of the schedule opportunities for the 767 are in crew-intensive international long-haul, which is also driving this hiring need.Training team expects to return to a normal schedule this summer. The FAA in March issued a 90-day training deviation to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry. In response, reduced simulator training in April to about 50% of normal monthly levels. That’s about 350 fewer crews.

This month, that number will rise to around 450 crews and increase monthly to between 500 – 550 crews through July, August and September as we catch up from the deviation period. One other change is that instructors and pilots are now required to wear provided masks while in the training center."

Cut and paste?

What gave it away? The quotes?

I prefer legit sources and references. As opposed to rumor and chatter.

You are in the wrong place then.

I know this much... We don't have enough 767 First Officers right now. We're slammed and there's all the Draft you can handle. They may be apprehensive about hiring a bunch of guys right now in the fear that this is just a Sugar High though...

767 is slammed...but nothing compared to 777 dudes. Their flying is thru the roof...and so is their paychecks.

All fleets have the candy if you want to be gone 25-28 days a month. Good thing is it’s available if you want it.