I hate to hijack the thread again, but on a quick note: The other day in Crain's Chicago Business, there was a story about United's service changes. There are going to some big cities with a very small percentage change in the total number of flights, but a BIG change in the # of seats available. If I recall correctly, Boston for example was losing 1% of the flights, but like 27% of the seats. LGA was gaining flights, but losing a seats. I think we are gonna be seeing some 700/170s going East to BOS, BWI, LGA, and some others. If some of that flying comes down I might actually be able to hold a line!

Doesn’t matter …………………. things change way too easily in this industry. Last month we had a few EMB upgraders who have been here around 14-18 months (most JR had a hire date of 04/2007) so I’d say the EMB upgrade is sitting between 1-1.5 years and the RJ is around 3+. Looking at the last RJ upgrade class (June 2008 class), the most JR upgrader has a hire date of 03/2005 (3.25 years with company). Yes there are RJ CA’s that have been here right at 2 years but that doesn’t mean our RJ upgrade is 2 years. No, they upgraded last year when no one had the times and we needed CA’s.

BTW, our RJ classes are hit and miss right now (I think we’ve only ran 2 this year prior to the June class) so RJ upgrades will remain twice as long if not longer than EMB upgrades. All in all I see the EMB upgrade staying steady at and around 1-1.5 years and the RJ 3++.

That's a good deal. What percentage of medical benefits did Skywest pay?

That's the reason why I use my wife’s benefits. BTW, her benefits are also 100% fully paid, which should be the standard nationwide.

No kidding! With a new wife (think 757) my insurance is $150 a month. Almost double from my single rate and that is for the not so good coverage. Thankfully my ex wife (think A319) has to pay health insurance for the kids on her state supplemented teachers insurance.

The above a/c references are for those who learn visually and to insert humor into an otherwise boring reply, and are not intended to offend any one or persons except the ex wife who deserves all the heck she gets!

ha! who doesn't love an airplane with long landing gear, a nice sleek and slender fuselage, and to top it off some huge engines to go with it. its the plane we all love! :)

Look at you being witty............LOL!

Did you get a good schedule for July?

Well, I'm sure XJT's is not much better if at all but is it true that they only pay for their share if you block in more than a certain amount per month? Or did I misunderstand that?

There were three plans at SKW last I checked and with the middle choice on medical + Dental you would pay around $95 for a unmarried individual. I pay $55 with the lowest (high deductible) plan. FWIW.

So does anybody know for sure if they are still interviewing?

Hiring at SkyWest will dribble to next to nothing, unless / until we get some new bidness.

Furloughs are still a very real possibility with more doom and gloom still on the airline horizon. But, a company representative stated Monday that a furlough has never happened here, and the company will do whatever works to preclude a furlough "on their watch". Reduced schedules (below 62.5 hrs) are currently available with full benefits (call CS if you're interested).

Certainly, our company is as well prepared as any to take advantage of whatever market opportunities arise. We have cash and crews. Airplanes are (or will be) on the market, and we have 22 CRJ deliveries this fall. I suspect we'll keep running EMB-120's until we can't get parts anymore (already a problem).

We just need the (profitable) contracts. Short of a complete industry melt down (ok, more complete than this ;-), it will happen.