Which one? No new planes? or people being recalled?

 

Answer: YES I meen NO...I mean stand by for next rumor.

 

Obviously things can change. My source for no new planes until 2011 was John Clark confirmed by Ben himself. He talked to us in recurrent. Says credit markets combined with credit card company holdbacks make it impossible to make the down payments.

 

This could be true! I however don't believe a word out of Bens mouth. He has prooven to be a liar.

1. He met with the union and said, "No Furloughs"
2. One week later filed the WARN letters of "possble furloughs".
3. Another week later went on TV and told the public "No Furloughs."
4. The next week anounced 50 furloughs and then 85 more.

This guy is a clown in my eyes. I bet he regrets returning those 5 airplanes.

I know the economy is down and all. But why are we applying for new routes and destinations? We are in contract negotiations. It's a game.

 

I'm not saying any of these rumors are true but I have learned a few things over the past year. One is treat a furlough as if you are never going to get that recall letter. I'm not being negative, just realistic. Two, don't sit around waiting around for that letter. I understand the industry sucks and finding a job is hard right now but waiting around just hurts yourself. I've been through a shut down and a furlough this year. (skyway and spirit) Yes its stressfull and yes it sucks but what can you do about it? Other than trying to find something else, not much. I'm also not getting on anyones case on here for what they said. I'm just trying to help out those guys that aren't sure whats next. The industry does this every 10 years or so and if we're lucky the next round will keep us employed without downgrading. As people on here have said its all part of the game and I hope we all get back soon.

 

Yep just enjoy the rumors as they are nothing but that. You can never count on recall.

 

If the auto industry completely self destructs in the next six months you might see those new destinations replace most of the DTW flying, so we should all be thankful that there are new routes in the works that might be sheltered somewhat from a US auto failure.

 

That is exactly what I am thinking. Because that auto industry has self destructed a long time ago IMHO and watching the managers testify the other day made me only more convinced that there was little hope.

Btw yesterday Ben said in recurrent 2010 for deliveries not 2011 according to my buddy. +/- 1 year. Well within Practical Test Standards isn't it?

 

Haha, yes it is! They have been saying 2010 since mid summer, and there have only been "rumors" to the contrary, so I think 2010 is a pretty good estimate. Thats not that far away anyway, it would mean hiring by the end of next year.

 

I don't think attrition has even really started yet. I think they will need to hire sooner than the end of 09. Most people who were "wait to see" and now are "lemme get outta here" did not even have a chance to interview yet. I know several guys who have interviews lined up, overseas for the most part. NK had high attrition in 07/08. I think after this furlough many folks made up their mind for good. I believe attrition will be very high the moment any of the usual domestic places start to hire again. Especially among DTW guys and girls. With the news about DTW, I think their last hopes are evaporating right about now. I feel bad for them.

Even before the furlough I have flown with several real senior (but still relatively young) captains that had their stuff in at the typical places like UPS, FEDEX, and SW. I am sure most of them are still here but when you hear captains leaving, you know attrition is high.