MEMbrain

Source is an internal Delta document leaked by a "highly" connected Delta pilot.
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Now let’s discuss Flight Attendant hiring. This week, In-Flight announced it anticipates hiring up to 400 new flight attendants in 2013 with about 30 percent expected to be language-qualified. Interviews are planned to begin in January with initial training starting in April and new-hire flight attendants ready to fly in June. If you’d like to refer someone for a flight attendant position as part of Delta’s Employee Referral Program, remember you must submit your referral before that person applies. And, in case you’re asked about pilot hiring, Flight Ops does not have dedicated hiring funds in our 2013 budget; however, we continue to closely monitor our staffing requirements.

TenYearsGone

Not surprised: If you read the document closely, the previous paragraph discusses the upcoming partnership with Virgin Atlantic. I might have read it wrong but it seems like VAtlantic will get the majority of the 31 UK-USA slots. Kinda like the disparity with Virgin Australia (Virgin Australia gets 3x more US-AUS flights).

TEN

TEN

LeineLodge

What hasn't been clearly understood by most guys is the Virgin Australia deal is current status quo (ie 21-7 weekly ratio). ie Virgin Australia is already doing 21 weekly flights and we are doing 7. The JV language simply puts in writing what is already happening.

Of major interest to us as Delta pilots is ANY growth in between those two markets will require that Delta pilots operate the route.

I'd imagine the Virgin Atlantic deal will turn out similarly. This is all speculation on anyone's point though, as many details still need to be worked out. Even Delta management doesn't know how this will ultimately work out as it hinges on external forces like gov't antitrust approval, relocation of gates, etc....

I'd suggest calling your reps with concerns now. Once the ink is dry it doesn't matter anymore. There are some very smart guys working on this, but the more involvement we have as line pilots the better.

boog123

If you are going to spew facts, get them correct. V Australia has 14 RT per week, DAL 7. VA can go to 21 (50% increase) BEFORE any organic growth.

Elliot

Incorrect!

GJ

boog123

Think he meant additional.

shiznit

You are correct, but understand that Virgin Australia ALREADY operated 3 US-AU routes and had pre-existing plans to take the 3x weekly route and 4x weekly route to daily service before the JV was established.

That is how they are "allowed" to operate the 3 routes on a 7x week schedule. As soon as a 22nd flight (i.e. additional AU-US route or greater than weekly freq.) on VS is established, the DAL minimum jumps to 11x weekly minimum.

Don't expect DAL to inhibit and restrict another corporation's ability to operate it's current business plan but be assured that FUTURE changes within that business agreement will be shared.

No one can stop you from being pessimistic about it though.

buzzpat

Actually, we're adding mainline jets in 2013.

Wilbur Wright

There's a big difference between the Virgins.

On the Australia code share Delta doesn't get a dime from any passengers that fly on them so if there is money to be made on the route, Delta would prefer to fly it than code share.

The Atlantic JV on the other hand has me more concerned. If VA and DAL are sharing in the profits and more money can be made by flying routes with Atlantic planes/pilots what do you think DAL will choose to do?

boog123

Im told nothing to be concerned about, all good.