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WARich 07-27-2013 11:45 AM

If I were living overseas and saw ABC Regional wanting to hire, but paying the same rates, I don't think I would move overseas for that position....

WARich 07-27-2013 11:46 AM


Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 1452601)
Regionals will shrink dramatically. The new FTDT regs combined with retirements at the majors will cripple them. Not only will they be losing massive efficiencies due to the new FTDT regs, they'll also have a huge lack of qualified applicants.

This would be a great thing...if it would happen....

Mink 07-27-2013 12:02 PM

Believe it when I see it.

As an industry, airlines will start to kick and scream when FTDT limits start to bite. Politicians will cave by granting an escape clause.

Orders for new regional aircraft don't portend any kind of collapse.

80ktsClamp 07-27-2013 12:07 PM


Originally Posted by av8tordude (Post 1452682)


How I see, If regional airlines want retain their current fleet size, and the majors retain the current route structure, the majors will have to increase their regional partners departure fee. The regional airlines will inevitable have to increase their salaries to attract qualified pilots (whether resident/citizens or foreign nationals), OR...Majors reduce regional flying and obtain bigger aircraft while reducing flight frequencies.

DL is already doing this and accelerating the process.

cardboardbox 07-27-2013 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by av8tordude (Post 1452682)
Living outside of U.S. made me realized just how much we live in a bubble not realizing what's happening outside...

Due to the signifigance shortfall of new pilot entering the career field, the regionals, NOT the majors, will have a problem with hiring. Does that mean the majors will reduce regional capacity? Maybe, BUT maybe not!

Considering the U.S. is not the only country with pilots who may meet the FAA new requirements, other countries have qualified pilots who are also seeking employment globally. Under the H1B visa program, if an U.S. employer is unable to find and hire a professional employee for an unfilled professional position, said company may temporarily hire a foreign national from outside the U.S. under the H1B visa program.

I remember when I use to fly for a 135 freight company in early yr 2000, 30% of its pilots were foreign nationals working under the H1B visa program because the company was unable to attract and hire legal resident/citizens to fill pilot positions due to the hiring wave that was occurring at the regional/major airlines.

Some scenarios may happen if the regional airlines decides to exploit the H1B visa program.

1. If they are able to find and hire qualified foreign national under the H1B visa program, then regional salaries will remain as they are. Majors retain routes and infrastructure. Everything remains status quo.

2. If regional airlines can not attract foreign national pilots, Regional airlines lose flying and majors lose routes to their competition.

So whats the business solution...

How I see, If regional airlines want retain their current fleet size, and the majors retain the current route structure, the majors will have to increase their regional partners departure fee. The regional airlines will inevitable have to increase their salaries to attract qualified pilots (whether resident/citizens or foreign nationals), OR...Majors reduce regional flying and obtain bigger aircraft while reducing flight frequencies.

Now I know there will be some that will say the regionals will not exploit the H1B program, but it was also be said the majors would take back flying from the regional partners. Currently facts do not support this trend. In fact, its the opposite, Approx 50% of Delta domestic routes are flown by regional airlines compared to 30% in 2005 and United just announced increase regional flying.

Something to ponder...

So...in other words, Emirates will be staffed with American pilots, and our airlines will be staffed by Chinese pilots?

johnso29 07-27-2013 12:12 PM


Originally Posted by av8tordude (Post 1452682)
Now I know there will be some that will say the regionals will not exploit the H1B program, but it was also be said the majors would take back flying from the regional partners. Currently facts do not support this trend. In fact, its the opposite, Approx 50% of Delta domestic routes are flown by regional airlines compared to 30% in 2005 and United just announced increase regional flying.

Something to ponder...


No longer true. And the regional flying for Delta will continue to decrease as the B717s come online, & the 50 sweaters are further reduced.

av8tordude 07-27-2013 12:19 PM


Originally Posted by WARich (Post 1452706)
If I were living overseas and saw ABC Regional wanting to hire, but paying the same rates, I don't think I would move overseas for that position....

I'm don't blame you for the way you think, as I use to have the same mentality before becoming an expat, but your thinking is a bit flawed.

Regional salaries are abysmal to U.S. wage standards for professionals, but to other people in less fortunate countries, its a step up in their living and wage standards. Especially if jobs are not plentiful in their country! Plus its a lottery ticket to live in the U.S. I've often wonder why people would want to relocate to the middle east. Yes the money in the middle east is good for professionals, but what about the labor workers making 300-500 USD/mo in conditions that westerners would consider unhealthy work standards. And living conditions definitely is not for the faint of heart either! OSHA would have a field day here!

Well...the reason they relocate, it is a step up in their living standards and although 300-500USD is well below poverty standard to us Americans, its actually enough money to pay what little they here and send money back home to their families. Of course they find extra work washing cars, babysitting, private taxi, etc to bring in extra cash. Seems awefully familiar...hmmm (....Mexicans?!?)

So you see, its not a far stretch to the imagination that it may come to fruition.

av8tordude 07-27-2013 12:30 PM


Originally Posted by johnso29 (Post 1452719)
No longer true. And the regional flying for Delta will continue to decrease as the B717s come online, & the 50 sweaters are further reduced.

50 seat flying is a thing of the far distant past. I'm sure you must be aware of that fact by now with all the CRJ 700/900 & EMB170/175 Delta has flying for them...lol. Yes..Delta has B717, but if DL can't make the profit margin they want with B717 flying certain routes, regional airlines would happily slug it out with each to do the flying. Also, frequency will be limited considering they don't operate their aircraft like SW. An airplane on the ground is airplane that is not makin money.

av8tordude 07-27-2013 12:38 PM


Originally Posted by cardboardbox (Post 1452717)
So...in other words, Emirates will be staffed with American pilots, and our airlines will be staffed by Chinese pilots?

First of all, their aren't many American pilots leaving for the middle east or far east as you may think. Emirates employs less than 10% of American pilots!

Secondly, the only pilots leaving the regional airlines are....FO's & junior CA's who are leaving for greener pastures. Majority of the senior regional CA's are financially force to stay because they would be financially ruined if they moved on.

johnso29 07-27-2013 12:40 PM


Originally Posted by av8tordude (Post 1452727)
50 seat flying is a thing of the far distant past. I'm sure you must be aware of that fact by now with all the CRJ 700/900 & EMB170/175 Delta has flying for them...lol. Yes..Delta has B717, but if DL can't make the profit margin they want with B717 flying certain routes, regional airlines would happily slug it out with each to do the flying. Also, frequency will be limited considering they don't operate their aircraft like SW. An airplane on the ground is airplane that is not makin money.

The B717 will have a lower CASM then any 76 seater. For the rock bottom price that the B717s were acquired for it'll be difficult to not make $$$ with them. Delta is still making money with the DC9-50. It has less seats then the B717 & is much less fuel efficient.

I'm not sure why you think SW operates the B717 any different then Delta will. I jump seated on a AirTran B717 just a few months ago, & it wasn't a quick turn at all.


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