Delta and the future of MSP
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2014
Posts: 654
Delta and the future of MSP
New hire pondering future moves, ideally to MSP.
However, there are some concerns. I've read articles that in the past year Delta has transferred pilots from MSP to other bases, and have read from the Crew Resources note that DAL hasn't been backfilling openings.
1) Is this a shrinking, or worse, dying domicile? (like CVG?)
2) If not, is it so stable/stagnant that holding a narrowbody line is only a very distant possibility?
3) Best path there: A320 or M88?
Cheers!
However, there are some concerns. I've read articles that in the past year Delta has transferred pilots from MSP to other bases, and have read from the Crew Resources note that DAL hasn't been backfilling openings.
1) Is this a shrinking, or worse, dying domicile? (like CVG?)
2) If not, is it so stable/stagnant that holding a narrowbody line is only a very distant possibility?
3) Best path there: A320 or M88?
Cheers!
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 272
New hire pondering future moves, ideally to MSP.
However, there are some concerns. I've read articles that in the past year Delta has transferred pilots from MSP to other bases, and have read from the Crew Resources note that DAL hasn't been backfilling openings.
1) Is this a shrinking, or worse, dying domicile? (like CVG?)
2) If not, is it so stable/stagnant that holding a narrowbody line is only a very distant possibility?
3) Best path there: A320 or M88?
Cheers!
However, there are some concerns. I've read articles that in the past year Delta has transferred pilots from MSP to other bases, and have read from the Crew Resources note that DAL hasn't been backfilling openings.
1) Is this a shrinking, or worse, dying domicile? (like CVG?)
2) If not, is it so stable/stagnant that holding a narrowbody line is only a very distant possibility?
3) Best path there: A320 or M88?
Cheers!
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2014
Posts: 654
I'm really just trying to read the tea leaves concerning which aircraft to bid, IF I have a choice available when it's my turn. Big "if", but it never hurts to dream...
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2014
Posts: 155
Just saying that MSP is ripe for the taking. Delta is not growing there, not trying to grow there. Don't do international there. Lots of other carriers can do domestic better, as in better product ( not delta connection) and do it for a better price to the consumer. With out international at that base I see a huge threat from other domestic carriers. You asked the future of MSP, so that was my response. MSP without international will not be able to compete agaist other domestic carriers and probably never grow, shrink will be more like it, because even though it's Delta, domestically will never be able to compete with the likes of JB, Spirit, SW. And without the International profits to augment the weak domestic product I would bet the base will slowly diminish to a Delta connection base. Just a thought.
#7
Edit: Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier have been there for years. No JetBlue yet. We do just fine against those guys. We offer a far superior product than any of those and we do it with reliability. So there.
Fastest path is almost always the junior airplane. The 320 has been a shrinking fleet there so I would go for the 88 if you want to be there and be senior faster. With what is going on with the four corner strategy I would say that MSP will eventually end up about the same size as SLC. Growth is focused in LAX, SEA, NYC, and ATL. CVG will close when the company no longer needs the LEC reps to carry the votes on the MEC.
#8
Just saying that MSP is ripe for the taking. Delta is not growing there, not trying to grow there. Don't do international there. Lots of other carriers can do domestic better, as in better product ( not delta connection) and do it for a better price to the consumer. With out international at that base I see a huge threat from other domestic carriers. You asked the future of MSP, so that was my response. MSP without international will not be able to compete agaist other domestic carriers and probably never grow, shrink will be more like it, because even though it's Delta, domestically will never be able to compete with the likes of JB, Spirit, SW. And without the International profits to augment the weak domestic product I would bet the base will slowly diminish to a Delta connection base. Just a thought.
Spirit is a complete piece of crap airline to fly on. Southwest is the worst in on time performance now. JetBlue is good, but anything other than a CRJ at Delta beats them. The JetBlue E-190 is no different than any of the EMB-170/175's DCI flies.
We do international there as well so I'm not even sure you know what you are talking about. We were going to open a 777 base there, but for some reason they decided not to do so. There may be 777 departures there next fall. I'm not sure of all the international destinations, but I do know we do CDG and AMS. Plus Hawaii and lots of Mexico resort destinations.
Edit: International destinations are Tokyo, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Plus a ton of Mexico and Caribbean flights.
#9
Bid the aircraft that gives you the best QOL for your first year in NYC or ATL. You're not going to get MSP before your 1 year seat lock is up, so I suggest 717 or MD88 to get you a line within 4-5 months. Then keep an eye on future AEs and bid whatever airplane then, keeping in mind your subsequent locks are 2 years. Take a look at the most junior pilot in MSP (February 2014) and patiently wait in line. Lots of ex compass folks waiting their turn. If DTW is your next preferred option go a320 or 717 for your first year.
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2014
Posts: 155
Isn't SW already flying there? We'll compete just fine against all of them if they decide to show up in town. We have in every other hub we operate.
Fastest path is almost always the junior airplane. The 320 has been a shrinking fleet there so I would go for the 88 if you want to be there and be senior faster. With what is going on with the four corner strategy I would say that MSP will eventually end up about the same size as SLC. Growth is focused in LAX, SEA, NYC, and ATL. CVG will close when the company no longer needs the LEC reps to carry the votes on the MEC.
Fastest path is almost always the junior airplane. The 320 has been a shrinking fleet there so I would go for the 88 if you want to be there and be senior faster. With what is going on with the four corner strategy I would say that MSP will eventually end up about the same size as SLC. Growth is focused in LAX, SEA, NYC, and ATL. CVG will close when the company no longer needs the LEC reps to carry the votes on the MEC.