There are 18 frames available in the current NWA scope, not 23. As for the new DL scope, we're already over the limit, when you add up all the 76ers from all the airlines. IMO our growth is going to start with the Freedom 7 and go from there. Of course, if Compass is wiped off the map that frees up a lot of 76er opportunity. Just sayin...

Before the current DL scope cap given up in Ch11 of 76 seat seats, it was 70. Skywest took delivery of 900s configured for 70 seats. It would be so easy for the new DL to allocate 900s with 70 seats in them and then as manline grows, more 900s can be operated, reconfigure the planes.

Whatever the reasons, we're positioning for growth beyond the 4 more 900s we've got coming. Again, you all do the math, but to stick your head in the sand and ignore the facts is just shortsightedness.

 

Bored,

I've been reading this thread for awhile and completely agree. The staffing that we are going through right now is NOT for "more flying" without additional airframes. While it's probably a reasonable knee-jerk reaction to believe that new airframes are not coming (not you, but others) with what we've been through, it's not rational with the expected hiring.

I believe that the additional aircraft / flying will just be re-assignments from other DCI carriers as they will want to position more income within wholly owned carriers. It makes all the sense in the world.

 

More airframes and flying would be nice but I just want the schedules to go back to 17 and 18 days off. No more of these 13 and 14 day off lines.

 

If it amkes all the sense on the world you can bet that airline management is not thinking it. Do not count on new airframes until you are in the cockpit of one. If DAL/NWA is planning on giving Mesaba the 7 freedums a/c why are they temporarily giving them to Pinnacle? I hope that Mesaba is getting new a/c but just because airlines are hiring does not mean future growth, airlines have repeatedly been horrible at determining staffing numbers. Just look at Comair recently. Again I hope this is not the case but lets not ever rule out incompetence from airline management.

 

Why Pinnacle temporarily? Simple, the merger is not done yet. Until then we have no infastructure to fly for DL. It would also take a capasity agreement to have Xj fly for another mainline carrier. Why sign one, when we'll be wholly owned in a few months. Pinnacle has the ability to fly for DL at a moments notice. After the merger which is expected to take place by the end of the year, we'll be wholly owned and DL can do what they wish with us. Until then, it's all controlled by NWA.

Trust me, XJ pilots that were hired before last spring know all about "we'll believe it when we see it." I bet even the ones that are post Ch11 have learned quickly about this business. We can all sit around pretenting something may or may not happen, but the facts speak for themselves. The matter in which this second hiring boom started proves that we're not hiring just for some off chance phenomena.

 

Sounds good but you have to understand this hiring "boom" does not prove anything. We can speculate all day long but the only proof is when the aircraft have Mesaba pilots in them. I agree with your prediction but there is no proof, yet. I am just pointing out that airlines (esp regional airlines) have hired based on expected aircraft deliveries only to have the plans change and then turn around and furlough. It happened to a wholly owned carrier named Comair recently and I am not convinced the same can't happen at Mesaba. I hope it does not but there is no proof, there is speculation.

 

You make a good point, but Comair "had them" and then "didn't have them" for a very short time. True, there is no public proof that we're growing or even surviving the merger. There is no proof in the form of a press release. But there is proof based on action. Actions speak louder than words and the actions are obvious, not subtle.

We've hired and trained large numbers for nearly 2 months now. Granted, if this stuff falls through, then we'll be staffed for our status quo fleet. If not, then we'll be on our way to further growth. Yes, things can change overnight. We've had planes headed our way that never materialized in full force once before... pre Ch11. Many know how that turned out.

 

I hear that. Is this normal? Lines with 13/14 days off and not even breaking guarantee.

 

Re schedules - this happens every fall. Remember NWA controls where/when we fly. There is always a capasity reduction mid August going into Sept, Oct and most of November and then before Thanksgiving flying picks up again. What you're seeing is the flying being spread around, resulting in low credits, but it usually yields more days off. 13/14 is still better than straight reserve and 11... count your blessings.

 

To Recent Mesaba Newhires:

What type of enforcement does Mesaba have in regards to their requirement of one "surrendering" their seniority with other carriers?

I am aware that they ask if you are willing to do it during the application process, and it is also part of the "Pilot Agreement" that you sign and turn in at the interview... but... come class date, is there any enforcement or verification?

Anyone with first-hand experience who wants to chime in, please do so.

Oh and I'm looking for some detailed information if anyone has it.. not just Yes they do, or No they don't.

Thanks!


-FA