I'm looking for some opinions/options with regard to having an upcoming Mesaba interview but also knowing that I meet/exceed the competitive minimums for Compass. My understanding is that chances are pretty good that I'd get a call from Compass too (although I haven't yet).

For that matter, if offered an equal choice between the two, who should I choose? I don't mean to sound pompous but I need to make the best decision for my future...as though a safe decision exists in this industry.

 

Why in the hell would you want to work for a NWA company? NWA will own Mesaba and owns Copmpass. Are you toally nuts.........

 

I guess I've always just wanted to...call me a dreamer I suppose; any suggestions?

 

For now if you're dead set on a NWA company, I'd say go to Compass. They already have an established flow thru agreement (2 years as a captain and you can go to an opening at NWA), and are in growth mode. Since they are planning to have 8 deliveries this year (and 8 next year), if you can get on soon, odds are you will be able to upgrade in a short period (6 months or less), assuming you have the experience requirements (which it seems you do). Upgrade at Mesaba is over 6 years (almost 7) seniority right now.

 

If you hold F2000 and LRJET type ratings, you need to RUN, NOT WALK away from anything with a red tail smaller than a DC-9...

 

With Compass you will fly a EMB-175 for rates a little better than Mesaba. Upgrade will probably be much shorter, especially if you get in at the forefront of the hiring there. You will be based in MSP. They have a flow through, which also means a flow down from the mainline should something turn sour unexpectedly. I don't know how their contract looks, what the work rules are, the benefits package etc. So it is hard to draw comparisons.

With Mesaba you get 60+ years of history, a senior workforce. 3 bases to choose from, two types of equipment, better than average work rules, below average pay (for now) and a larger operation. No flow back (yet!). Below average benefits (cost for coverage).

Either way, both Mesaba and Compass are a gamble. No one knows how the final shake out is going to work with us both being wholly owned as we forge ahead. Lots of speculation of the two becoming one, and multiple other scenarios.

Time to roll the dice! Good luck to you whatever you decide. I know your experience would be welcomed here at Mesaba.

 

According to the March seniority list this is true (Jul-99 for junior captain).

This will be droping rapidly, attrition is high, we are growing the fleet. Upgrade time on the Saab for the initial classes of new hires could be less than 2 years.

We should have the final tally, by Friday, of how may furloughs have elected to return. That will firm up the Seniority list for the addition of new hires. The March list shows 711 total (which includes 220 furloughs). If only half return, we will be at 601 active pilots. Attrition is running at 5-15/month, so it is easy to see how the first 50ish new hires will realize a quick upgrade.