mumu

While I don't doubt what you're saying, it appears to be pretty drastic considering that Skywest, ASA, Comair, Chautauqua and Freedom collectively have an ***-load of 'em. If there's a plan to replace them with larger aircraft, I can't help but wonder what scope restrictions exist at DL that limit DCI growth. Seems like there's a ratio I read about somewhere about DCItoDL airframe awards.

H46Bubba

For Comair? I don't think so. I see a merger taking place with another wholly owned. With the 76 seaters capped and unless Delta places a fat order for some new aircraft I don't see too many more 76 seaters for DCI. RA now has all his DC-9 back and has more sitting in the desert waiting to return to service. If there are any new aircraft for DCI it would have to be turpoprops or more 70 seat regional jets and they woun't be bought by Delta. Ed Bastian has been queted several times saying that Delta is getting out of the RJ buying business. Once all their current options options with Embraer and Bombardier have been fulfilled, that's it. Nothing has been said about turboprops.

H46Bubba

For every new aircarft purchased by Delta, DCI is able to add three 76 seaters. They have a plan up their sleeve and I think putting 100% of fuel costs on to the DCI carriers is part of it. Comair will only have 50-72 fifty seaters by the end of 2009, maybe even less depending on if Delta wanto to speed up their removal

TurboDog

Most of that makes sense. While the 170s do weigh more and might not be as efficient as a CRJ900(I'm not possitive on that either) I think Delta's big push right now is customer service and the passengers comfortable experience while using their product. Let's face it, there is nothing comfortable about any of the CRJ products unless you are sitting in first class on a 900. Not to mention that the 170/175s are more efficient than the outdated CRJs.

Who knows if they would put us through a merge and deals with cutting back the CRJ products at the same time, or continue to shrink us all the way down to the 700/900s and then merge us. Here is food for thought. Crazy idea, but I will throw it out there. What if they continued to furlough until all we had left was 700/900s. Even if that was down to 30 aircraft total. There would be roughly 300 pilots on the property and those seniority dates would probably include people that have been here 17 years or more. Do you think a 17-20 year pilot would retire first, or sit ready reserve in CVG at 3 am? The senior folks would go ahead and leave because they would have absolutely no QOL and the company could then just call whatever furloughed guys that are still left swimming in the pool and merge those really junior guys with the new holding compay. Just something to think about.

evilboy

Oh believe me, I'm quite apprehensive about the possibility of going to another wholly owned company. Now, the reality is just about every semi/decent regional out there is somehow in some sort of business contact with D3825ers. Therefore they are affected by them. My main concern right now is taking care of my reponsibilities, personal feelings aside.

Spoilers

I have my stuff in with Compass as well, but IF they would call, I'm not sure if I'd go interview or not for two reasons. 1) Affiliated with Deltoid. 2) Bottom of the list = long time on reserve (OH all over again) & first one to go if crap hits the fan.

fjetter

One positive thing about compass that I have heard is that they aren't asking people to give up their seniority numbers at other airlines. As for me I'm keeping my stuff updated with them and others because I'm already on the bottom of the CMR list so going somewhere else really has no effect on me.

evilboy

True, but hopefully by the time something happens there, other places would open up. I'd rather be flying/working -even as a reserve- than sitting on my fat butt trying to get a job. Remember, it is easier to get a job when you have job. If you go and hear familiar rumblings, run the other way.

Spoilers

True, but also remember that there is a 1 year training contract at CZ! Now, IF you would get furloughed (again) this time from CZ, the contract is obviously void.

evilboy

Exactly.....not really too much of a risk from my part, as I see it.