This has always been the problem. But when we are pilots looking to get in somewhere what are we to do? Not accept any of these jobs until the rates go up? We are are own worst enemy. We want to do this so bad we'll do it for almost nothing and some of us really do do it for nothing. Bottom line is there will always be someone out there who will do it for less to be able to 'break in' and that will always hold us back as a group.

Here at SkyWest it seems that we can't fill EMB120 classes so a pay raise may be coming shortly. Just as you said, ''Supply and Demand.''

 

I thought it was coming because we're riding ASA's coattails.

 

Maybe it's because they're in the giving spirit.

 

It is Christmas time....

 

Ho Ho Ho...

 

I think they should, but think most regionals are afraid you'd jump ship in a few months for something better.

 

Only if the pay is better on the other side...hence the "great pilgrimage" from the likes of TSA, Mesa, and PNCL to SkyWest, XJet...

 

I'd be willing to bet the lateral moves from 9E stop if they are successful in negotiations and get a good contract...

 

Absolutely...and I'm confident they will! We're all rootin' for ya - make us proud

 

If we take a look at the cost of a FO, or heck even a CA on your 'typical' 50 seat regional airplane in the average middle of their pay scales. FO is approx. $40/hr and the CA is approx $70/hr. Divide that by seats = FO $0.80/seat and CA $1.40/seat with a total operating cost of $2.20/hr for the flight crew. If you look at the average ticket price the pax pay for that leg; imagine if the crew were to work for 100% pay cut? Would their ticke price go down? Maybe by $5.00... Maybe. If we were to take a 100% pay raise; how would that affect ticket prices? Granted airlines have gotten rid of pretzels (less than $0.10/pax) and pillows, and blankets, and food just to drive their bottom line lower.. ask yourself where does the money go? Look at your top heavy management? Look at the CEO, CFO, and all the other upper management pay/bonuses. Oh, and next time you are walking thru an airport with huge vaulted ceilings, marble countertops, plasma screen tv's at every gate, and enough lights to light up a small country... Think about who pays for that? In the big picture that ticket pays for the rampers, gate agents, bag handlers, reservation agents, most of the airport employees, some goes to ATC, some goes to pay the FAA, but the most of it goes to the FUEL in the tanks. Yes they can pay any individual group more. Yes the pilots can get huge pay increases and it won't effect the bottom line too much... But you get what you negotiate. You get what you CAN get... those managers who screw pilots out of pay are getting bonuses not only for putting pilots below the poverty income level... they are doing it to the rampers, gate agents, flight attendants, etc. too.
I agree that it is us who have cut our own throats.. the young "Shiny Jet Syndrome" pilot who says 'I dont care.. I would fly a 747 for free!'... but if you look at (aviation) university enrollment, if you look at the total number of pilots coming into the field vs. what hiring is going on and will be needed; we have an opportunity/necessity to raise pay to once again draw talented individuals away from other high paying jobs... Sure we all love to fly, but all it takes is an extra $15,000/year in pay and you can buy a light single and fly a whole bunch.
Negotiations (contract and other) need to be acomplished with a firm knowledge about what the scope, pay, and quality of life aspects have on the pilots thinking about near and long term consequences.
I would like to see APC publish the pay scales of airlines that have folded, PanAm, Braniff, Eastern... Look at the pay scales that United used to have pre 9/11... compare what companies USED to be able to make money with. Take inflation into acount and see where our beloved industry is compared to the 80's.
In my opinion YES they can pay us more. (long story for a short answer)