I heard two classes in April and one in May. They will re-evaluate from there. We were told that during Indoc that DAL hires to fill their peak flying capacity and that is during the summer. The news stories quote DAL as cutting back 5% on domestic capacity around late August so that would be after peak. A May hire could hit the 88 line by August. Simple math seams to reason that if they cut 5% domestic capacity, and they were short 88 drivers to begin with, then they just don't need to hire as many. But still need to hire. Besides, we all agree that DAL is taking delivery of about 23 new/used A/C in the next 18 months and they will need to be staffed. Those numbers do not include the Chinese nine MD-90's or one or two used B-777's they are looking for if the price is right. Planners told us about the possible extra 777's.

 

10-15 MD88's and 5 757's.

 

Anyone care to guess what that chances of somebody interviewing week would have of getting the last April or the May class if they are successful?

 

I'm just guessing, but if they didn't need anyone else for the classes in April and May that they plan on running, they would probably have cancelled your interview. Hopefully it works out for you. I don't see how they won't pick hiring back up in the fall with the 700's and 777's that are coming. I've also heard rumblings that the number of 88's that we are parking will be equal to the 90's that they are still planning on getting, but we've been hearing the 90 rumor now for over a year.

 

Well, from what I've heard, the time frame from interview to class date has been around 30 days. My friend just got a class date (28 days from interview to class). I know of several others that were right around the 1 month mark as well. So, if you get hired, I'd say you have a good chance of getting on property before they stop classes.

 

Good to know! I'm really excited about the whole thing. I just hope it all works out.

 

Put it this way... Everything went really fast for me. I interviewed 3rd week of February and everything went perfectly. Got a call for the April 7 class early this week.