How many of those EU and ME airlines are state supported??
Most of 'em.

I find it funny that people want to talk about supporting the US carriers or "jumping ship" to a ME carrier....this is a business right? Labor will and should flow toward the highest wage, while management will flow toward the lowest cost, regardless of national citizenship or boundary in the global economy. Nostalgia isn't a realistic business model for you as the individual wage earner either, you have to make your own decisions about what you are worth/want to earn....but don't expect your decisions to be the same as others, especially if they are rooted in loyalty, not the bottom line.
Just my two cents, from someone who isn't even in the industry...just looking in from the outside.

That doesn't work in the US with seniority lists.
Not like I can jump ship to the flavor of the week and make a lateral (or higher) entry.

I understand...but I think you are making my point.. people stay at their job because of wage or personnal preference (location, stability, family, etc). But just considering income earned, if you could jump ship and make more money, economically...you should do that...right? Irregardless of loyaly. But if you would earn less if you moved to another airline...why would you leave?? You won't. I really don't know much at all about airline life, or really economics or senority lists...but aren't seniority lists just future income potential over time??

Assuming that you hang your hat on an outfit that has longevity, sure! But in this business it's all a big gamble of which we have absolutely no control over, I started the seniority climb three times before with what seemed at the time sure bets. Now I'm....., how should I put it? Free to jump ship to the flavor of the week while making lateral or higher moves....! :D

But in one thing you are absolutely correct, there will always be those that expect you to fall on your sword so that they can maintain their seat and pay on the name of maintaining the "bar"

Patch the holes and roll out the inflatable rat boys and girls, we are in this together:rolleyes:

If a ME carrier opens up a US pilot base it's game over for US Carriers. The next step will be full on cabotage and they have enough money to buy the necessary votes. 10 yr RJ Captains would leave in droves and the US Majors wouldn't be able to staff for attrition.

So far, only two Chinese carriers and Jet (India-partners with Etihad) have opened US basing, and only for Capts on certain airframes. I think that Emirates, for sure, will be forced to open US bases as the pilot shortage unfolds.

[QUOTE]If just one of the 3 big Gulf carriers got creative with hiring this could be a game changer for attracting and retaining the best pilots as they need them going forward. It makes so much sense - especially from a cost perspective in a tight labor market for experienced pilots. We can hope, but I won't hold my breathe...[QUOTE]

Etihad has started, with 30 on/30 off schedules, available for some captains.

Etihad has started, with 30 on/30 off schedules, available for some captains.

And Cathay Pacific and Nippon Cargo Airlines.