Since I work for a European airline, and have several friends and neighbors that work for other European airlines, I think it is a safe bet that I know and interact with far more European flight crews than you. Not one person, not one, has ever said anything disparaging against Norwegian.

 

NAI is an Irish airline. Its AOC is issued in Ireland.

But furthermore, Norway is covered in the Open Skies treaty, and is a member of the EEA.

If you want to really get down to it, the treaty says that airlines cannot use provisions of the treaty to undermine labour standards. They have not done that. At worst you can claim they used provisions of the EEA to undermine labor standards. But the EEA and Open Skies treaty are two different things and the US DOT has nothing to do with internal EEA matters. Norway is covered under the Open Skies treaty, Ireland is also covered under the Open Skies treaty. No provisions of the treaty have been abused by Norwegian.

 

To a RyanAir FO like pilot Maria, I'm sure NAI looks like the next great adventure to post about on her Instagram account. I worked a trip with a guy originally from Norway earlier this year that goes back there frequently. Chatting with an SAS crew before departure, he got an earful of their disdain for all things Kjos on his last trip home.

 

And some pilots for American used to complain about all things Herb Kelleher at one point. Some Delta pilots used to complain about all things David Neeleman. Some Alaska and United pilots used to complain about all things Richard Branson. Of course they are going to complain about the new guy. But that does not mean that the pilots view it as a bad career option or view the other pilots with disdain. Like I said the other day, I have a neighbor who is an A330/340 captain for SAS and is leaving to go to Norwegian.

 

It doesn't bother you, great. Nor do the contents of the article I posted highlighting the sad state of affairs over there. If you had been around in the 80s, I'm sure you would have defended Lorenzo as well.

 

Looking through your post history, I'd say you are the least likely to be able to understand economics. You are a bumbling fool and should focus on getting from 250tt to 500tt

 

Judging by your unintelligent response, I'd say you're least likely to understand economics. I'm not talking econometrics or graduate level economics...I'm talking basic stuff. Economic principles or intro to microeconomics or macroeconomics. Please feel free to advance an evidence based argument, as there are some good ones to be made.

To those talking about unions determining "economic worth" that can't be further from the truth. As someone previously posted, buyers (demand) set the price. How can we on the sellers (supply) side influence our worth (wages)? We could reinstate the age 60 retirement rule and wipe out a huge chunk of available pilots. We could limit the number of ATP licenses allowed each year. We could increase the standards of a 1st class medical certificate (BMI limit, strict blood pressure limits etc.). These options are likely unappealing to most in our profession.

Again, I'd love a strong, protected industry full of high paying jobs. At some point we need to sit back and be realistic about the world we live in and the economic situation that exists.

An administration will not "save an industry" nor will protectionist policies (read about the Jones Act and the Maritime Industry).

 

Hilltopper, you are aware that United's MEC does not speak for, or represent all of ALPA, right? And, are you blaming Hillary Clinton for Norwegian Air getting approval?

 

Insightful & intelligent posts DFW. Trying to wrap my head around it. What you've contributed to this thread in helpful. Thanks.

 

This isn't a reason to stop the fight for fair competition. America is a huge aviation market, you want to fly to America? Then play by the same rules as American airlines, no government subsidies, no shady out sourcing international agencies. If you just sit back and relax then you almost guarantee that America won't be able to compete in their own market. Why would you sit back on this? It is fight worth fighting.