Skybus Ends Service to Bellingham
11-05-2007, 09:52 AM
#71
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,814
Originally Posted by CE750
I'm not an idiot. If by 1.5 years (that's how long it will take them to get to me at this rate, and factoring in negotiations, etc..) Skybus isn't showing promise (two years is plenty of a test drive), I'll go to #9000 of 9001... but frankly, if I see promise, and growth as expected, it would be VERY hard to give that up. I've already flown wide body international, and frankly it wasn't all that great.. I'm just as happy bouncing around the US and North America in a 319 for the next 25 years at the top of a seniority list than at the middle or bottom of American's.
BTW.. as an FYI, there are 2 other ex-TWA/AA at Skybus now that I know of. More over, just found out in my class breakdown there are two Mil (AF C130, and Navy P3 both live in CMH area), a Jet Blue FO, and a ASA RJ CA, and two more I'm not sure of. I'd hardly call that a bottom feeder group. They just don't live and die buy what some internet message board of anonymous pilots have to say.
BTW.. as an FYI, there are 2 other ex-TWA/AA at Skybus now that I know of. More over, just found out in my class breakdown there are two Mil (AF C130, and Navy P3 both live in CMH area), a Jet Blue FO, and a ASA RJ CA, and two more I'm not sure of. I'd hardly call that a bottom feeder group. They just don't live and die buy what some internet message board of anonymous pilots have to say.
11-05-2007, 03:00 PM
#72
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 919
From my view, CE750 has it right - and is in the ideal situation to try Skybus. Not sure how bright it is if you weren't in his shoes, but for him it sounds reasonable risk wise. He is furloughed from American (ex-TWA to boot, so probably bitter - and has also seen a Legacy goes tits up - so he is unimpressed by people saying "better off at a Legacy"). He can try Skybus for a while, draw a paycheck and see if the biz model works. If so, he can cash his options for a profit. If not, he can be recalled to American. Sounds like his downside is protected (eventual recall if Skybus tanks) but has the potential for upside (i.e. people enjoy pay toilets and beig sold things on airplanes). CE750 - I wish you the best - you made a solid business decision. You also made a solid business decision without crossing a picket line, or going to work for an alter-ego carrier (which I find despicable) and I think the othersneed to regonize the difference. That said - the Skybus uniforms still kind of suck (gotta be honest).
11-05-2007, 05:05 PM
#73
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: KC-135R IP/EP
Posts: 273
I think stinsonjr is correct in his asessment of CE750, he has an insurance policy to fall back on if he doesn't like Skybus, why not give it a shot, it might be a winning lottery ticket in 5-10 years...
I flew Skybus today as a paying passenger, some observations-really cute (and young) flight attendants that were having fun and seemed professional/capable enough to handle doors/pax in a real emergency...did I mention cute? Seat pitch is gonna s*ck if you are over 6' and the person in front of you reclines, other than that, you are only thinking, "hey nice leather seat". Jet was early in both directions, quick turns. Don't like the ramp, use a jetbridge in the winter/rain, please. Pilot uni's were dorky but so weren't most of the guys wearing them. This is gonna sound mean but when you see an AA or even SWA Capt. walking through the terminal, THEY LOOK LIKE AN AIRLINE PILOT (usually, there are exceptions to every rule). Out of the dozen or so Skybus pilots I saw today, one kinda looked like an airline pilot, the rest looked like frazzled/dorky RJ pilots wearing their backpacks and listening to their Ipods. I know that sounds mean and I haven't flown part 121 for a couple of years now but it just didn't look right. Disclaimer, the preceeding was my own opinion and not meant to inflame, embarass, or upset anyone.
I flew Skybus today as a paying passenger, some observations-really cute (and young) flight attendants that were having fun and seemed professional/capable enough to handle doors/pax in a real emergency...did I mention cute? Seat pitch is gonna s*ck if you are over 6' and the person in front of you reclines, other than that, you are only thinking, "hey nice leather seat". Jet was early in both directions, quick turns. Don't like the ramp, use a jetbridge in the winter/rain, please. Pilot uni's were dorky but so weren't most of the guys wearing them. This is gonna sound mean but when you see an AA or even SWA Capt. walking through the terminal, THEY LOOK LIKE AN AIRLINE PILOT (usually, there are exceptions to every rule). Out of the dozen or so Skybus pilots I saw today, one kinda looked like an airline pilot, the rest looked like frazzled/dorky RJ pilots wearing their backpacks and listening to their Ipods. I know that sounds mean and I haven't flown part 121 for a couple of years now but it just didn't look right. Disclaimer, the preceeding was my own opinion and not meant to inflame, embarass, or upset anyone.
11-05-2007, 08:56 PM
#76
Indian Takeout Driver
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: FAR part 347 (91+121+135)
Posts: 1,566
I'm actually not ex-TWA, was hired by American post-merger.. got screwed even more when you think about it! 
As for the uniforms, I admit, they suck... wish they used a traditional suit.. but with leather jackets it's a bit better. As for professional looking.. I've seen a few of the guys and they're pretty clean cut and straight laced.
As for the uniforms, I admit, they suck... wish they used a traditional suit.. but with leather jackets it's a bit better. As for professional looking.. I've seen a few of the guys and they're pretty clean cut and straight laced.
11-06-2007, 12:12 PM
#77
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Retired
Posts: 153
Originally Posted by HercDriver130
Yep...airlines routinely pull out of markets with excellent load factors...... Now for your ocean front property in Santa Fe........
11-06-2007, 12:44 PM
#78
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 462
Well if SkyBus really IS going to be like Ryanair, things might be good for them after all.
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news....=reg-en-051107
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news....=reg-en-051107
11-06-2007, 02:04 PM
#79
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: 737
Posts: 107
Originally Posted by threegreen
Well if SkyBus really IS going to be like Ryanair, things might be good for them after all.
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news....=reg-en-051107
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news....=reg-en-051107
11-06-2007, 02:14 PM
#80
Indian Takeout Driver
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: FAR part 347 (91+121+135)
Posts: 1,566
Originally Posted by Al Aska
I am sure they are going to pay more now!
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