Or better yet - RJ check airmen displaced into the 400. A few of those guys would need to get DHC-8 type ratings (since their QX careers went F-27 - F-28 - CRJ) Talk about grumpy!

 

If we're losing aircraft or furloughing, why are we hiring? Probably in anticipation of the mass exodus that should occur after the announcement of aircraft loss or furlough...
Then again, QX (and AAG) is totally reactionary in everything it does. We'll offer voluntary leave right up until there's a shortage and start hiring like crazy (which, for us is a class of 15), then repeat.

For those of us at the low end (less than 6 years in the right seat), the loss of the jets could be a good thing. The older guys will finally leave, the mid level guys will go elsewhere, and the lazy ones like me will move up faster (which, for us means upgrade in 5 years instead of 8).

 

We are still hiring because upper managment keeps even the lower guys in the dark about things to come. Its easy to cancel classes just ask every Major in the US.

 

The exodus of senior guys might hold true, however, for the more junior captains who have just hit the 1000TPIC mark who were looking at going somewhere only a month ago, they might be stuck for just a few more years. In reality there really is not many places hiring.

My concern is going through a furlough but maybe people are just building this announcement up for no reason. For all we know it could have to do with the new Jones Soda of the month flavor!

 

I just spoke with the CP at Horizon 45 min ago. He said they have not told him what the announcement is. He said they havn't even told the VP of Ops. I asked him his opinion and it was not good at all. He said he thinks Horizon is looking at "substantial airframe reduction". (his words not, my interpretation) I put more stock in what he thinks than the Van Driver, or anyone else mentioned in this thread. Furloughs may be soon to come.

As to why Horizon is hiring? Well, a pilot in class can get furloughed just as easily as anyone else, so it means nothing.

Two 400's for every CRJ returned sounds like a pipedream at this point. But the CP's opinion is just that. So keep smokin' the pipe and maybe your pipedreams will come true. Meanwhile I'll be digging my pipe out of my sock drawer in preparation for my year leave.

 

...i think it's gonna be bad...we shall see in the morning...

 

For the real answer in the morning. 830 pacific:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix....ventID=1809379

 

Sounds like the hiring at QX might come to a screeching halt. From the AAG's quarterly earnings announcement:

"The company announced cost cuts and revenue enhancements that it hopes will boost full-year pretax income by about $150 million.

First, it said it would further reduce the size of the fleet at its regional Horizon Air subsidiary, which will result in "some job losses." It hopes to address those losses through attrition.

Also, within two years, Horizon Air will go from a fleet of 65 aircraft and three aircraft types to a fleet comprised of only larger, 76-seat Bombardier Inc Q400s, the company said."

As a former QX'er, hate to see that news. Anyone with more info know what the plan for eliminating the CRJ700 is?

 

How is Horizon for commuting out of San Diego area, if any one can tell me.

 

Calling for an all Q400 fleet within 18-24 months......