Hey everyone. I just finished interviewing with both Mesaba and ASA. Somehow, I ended up getting job offers from both companies which means I now have a decision to make! Everyone at both companies was super cool and both had great facilities. They both seem like a good place to work. If anyone has experience with these places that could weigh in on QOL, commuting, schedules and anything else that would be great. Thanks!

 

From someone who used to commute: if one of them makes it so that you don't have to commute, go with that one.

 

First off congratulations, you’re in a rare position seeing you have a choice which is something many don’t get. Both are good companies but there's a world of difference between them.

Mesaba's set to get 10 more CR2's and 22 more CR9's (#’s could be different, just pulled it off of APC). That's HUGE when you look at the big picture. Also if NWA decides to pull more a/c from Pinnacle then you can expect Mesaba to grow even more. Mesaba's owned by mainline which could be good and could be bad only time will tell. For examples just look at DAL and Comair/ASA (ASA was sold to SKW) also AA and AE. Growth means little reserve, relatively quick upgrades and better QOL because of seniority gained from massive hiring. Pay is industry average to below for almost all years (except first) but I'm sure that's set to change. 3 domiciles to choose from also improve QOL. It’s always nice to have choices.

ASA's got no growth on the books and maybe some reduction with DAL announcing a 35 jet reduction in regional flying in 08. Also, I could be wrong, but I think the ATR's time is extremely limited. Pay is near industry leading with excellent QOL and pay rigging. 1 Domicile means no choices. Upgrades around 3 years and they'll probably stay there due to attrition.

My advice, look at were you live and choose which ever has a base there. If neither do and you plan on commuting then look at the number of daily trips between the two cities taking into account the type of a/c (50 seaters are not good a/c to depend on when commuting). Also look at the airport itself, example ORD is not a good apt to commute to due to shear volume and a poor design that restricted apt growth. MEM and ATL (based there and ATL’s very efficient even though it’s the worlds busiest apt) should be very easy to get in and out of. If you’re going to move to the domicile then look more at the airlines position as far as its future’s concerned. This website should help you determine the number of daily flight and types of a/c, it's a wonderful tool for all commuters.

http://www.nonrev.net/tools/timetable/

In the end I think both have good futures but Mesaba’s where I’d be headed if I had your choice. Their growth and domiciles are the determining factor for me.

Best of luck!

JJ

 

Very good post. I agree with Jetjock. If you have to commute, I would also choose Mesaba. Mesaba has a commuter friendly policy and over 70% of its pilots commute including myself. Mesaba is also experiencing a phenomenal growth at the moment, and due to the actual flowthrough to NWA that has started this month, there will be a even faster movement upward once you get on board.

 

Thanks guys, great info. Unfortunately I'm going to be stuck commuting for a couple of years anyways. Thank you so much for the tips.. Keep 'em coming!

 

Avoid ASA like the plague. You have been warned. I have a few friends there and they all are trying to "escape." Go where the growth is - Mesaba at the moment. Of course, you never know what will happen if Delta and NWA merge. All I know is that my friends at ASA hate it. Enough said.

 

The upgrade is now 2.5 for ASA no?

 

It could be but with no growth and DAL's reduction of regional operations, do think attrition will be enough to maintain upgrades at 2.5 yrs?

Just asking for inside opinions.

In my opinion 2.5 is best case scenario at ASA where at Mesaba you have growth that will sustain 2.5 yrs being worst case unless you choose to hold off.

 

[quote=Lighteningspeed;304100]over 70% of its pilots commute [quote]
wow, where'd you hear that?

 

Right now I agree Mesaba's the hot place to be but we all know the industry is critically unstable right now with mergers and all being in the works. If we're talking about this very second Mesaba is the better choice. If we're talking long term its an absolute toss up.