I hope you are right but I've been talking to a number of senior NWA CAs and the consensus is that NWA can't park 34 DC9s and 15 to 17 A319/320s and B757s and not furlough pilots. They are saying even if the very senior age 60 CAs take their pension and retire, it won't be enough to avoid some furloughs. It maybe less than 300 or so but nonetheless, there will most likely be one according to them. You keep mentioning the cost of retraining to fly at Compass but the cost is a drop in the bucket for NWA management. The ground school is conducted all via CBT and home based. The only real cost is in the simulator times in Montreal, which is far less than sim times for B757s, A320s etc the NWA flies.
Just to make it clear before anyone starts to hyperventilate, I am not saying there will be furloughs. Just addressing the likelihood of furloughs.

Well between the LOA we signed baring furloughs because of the aircraft cutbacks, nwa planes being changed over to the DAL staffing model(requires more pilots),new planes coming, Early out programs, and reduction in monthly max's furloughs become more and more unlikely. If you look at all the Factors instead of just the fact that some planes are being parked its easy to see there is more to the story.

So the consensus may be that way with the few captains you have spoken with but the consensus of the people in the "know", aka the Union MEC, are saying it wont happen. With that said we all know everything is subject to change in this industry so we shall see.

Superpilot,

This LOA that you keep bringing up, is it in effect now? My understanding is that nothing changes on either contracts until the date of corporate closure. Therefore, how can that LOA, that hasn't gone into effect yet, prevent any furloughs this year.

Superpilot,

This LOA that you keep bringing up, is it in effect now? My understanding is that nothing changes on either contracts until the date of corporate closure. Therefore, how can that LOA, that hasn't gone into effect yet, prevent any furloughs this year.




The LOA is in effect right now. All the displacements have let the union and staffing know what their intentions, the SLIPS and other things are out too.

I think we've found your problem. In the time I've been here at NWA, I've been surprised at how misinformed and out of touch some of the senior captains are. My theory is that they naturally feel more secure in their positions and don't feel the need to spend their free time on message boards and reading all the latest company news and union e-mails. Thus, they tend to be a bit out of the loop at times. I'm sure I'll probably be the same way after I've been here 20 years.

It IS in effect NOW. ;) This LOA in question has nothing to do with the JCBA we are about to vote on with DAL.

I agree completely. I was talking to a "Senior CA" early this year about being a newhire and he said "How can that be we arent hiring, are we?" :eek: I think more people are starting to get informed but there is a disconnect in SOME of the senior guys. There is so much going on right now i can see where stuff can get confused though.

Very true, except.....


Prior to a SOC (single operating certificate), expected 12-18 mos after DCC in December of '08, there will be no cross-pollination of crews. During this period NWA and DAL will operate their fleets as two separate airlines with varying AE's (advance entitlements).

So in essence you are right about the crew multiples at DAL being more generous, but if the economy continues to suffer and FM is invoked, then where does that leave us?

Not sure, better get these issues explained before voting on the JCBA.

Also, what aircraft does NWA have on firm order that will be delivered in the next 12-18 mos? The 787 is behind schedule and overweight. RA has spoken very recently about DAL's reluctance to accept these deliveries.

These issues need to be thought through and presented to your MEC/LEC. I believe there are still lingering issues that need to be addressed.

Food for thought..........

Remember, LOA 19 stipulates no furloughs from merger announcement to 24 mos after DCC (Dec '08 hopefully), but remains subject to force majeure.

DAL has used it before..........

While the 787 is behind schedule and overweight, it will still be delivered within the next 12-18 months. We are getting the first 787 in early 2009 for proving runs. It will then be returned to Boeing in the summer for further use in the certification program. The first delivery for revenue service will be in the fall (9-10 months after DCC). 4-5 787's will likely be delivered and in service prior to the SOC.