So did us at XJ. Some think it is a way for Delta to get the lease prices lowered. When NWA declared bankrupcy they got out of the leased, but since the merger, SAAB wants Delt to start paying on them again. Time will tell with this merger as whole for all DCI carriers.

They renegotiated the leases on the 49 B+ saabs and got rid of the rest of the ones they didn't want. From what I understand the leases aren't tied to YEARS but are tied to block hours. Obviously the new DL network as they continue to combine the airlines doesn't require 49 saabs. Will there be a replacement? I hope so. The writing was on the wall for them to all leave at some point. It's just a surprise to see them start to go so soon. We'll see what happens... it's not September yet according to my calendar.

And as for knowing what's going on... nobody knows. Everyone seems to have their own version of speculation which is based and fueled by other speculation. This is further fueled by the companies inability or lack of desire to tell us what's going on. IMO... they don't really know what's going to happen either.

Senority
 

Thanks all for the info. I have about 500 pilots below me on the seniority list and I do still have access to mymesaba.com though it has been a while since I have really looked at anything there since I have been rather preoccupied.....

With that many below you I'd guess you will still be a lineholding FO in any base you choose after this. Heck you might possibly still be able to hold Saab captain in MEM. Just make sure you get on mymesaba and have your preference list arranged the way you want it for whenever the next vacancy/realignment/reduction notice comes out.

And based on past experiences when this stuff happened I would be correct. The latest word I heard Monday was to expect the posting in about 2 weeks and that it likely would include less furloughs than original speculations (ie less than 200) Now is that because of an increase in flying or because of this duty day stuff being talked about by the FAA, I have no idea. Or maybe because we really weren't 100-150 overstaffed all along. I put out my best guess based on experiences before here. I do not sit in the meetings with RA, JS, JR, EW, DW, ect.... If I did I'd probably be enjoying my boat at my lakefront home instead of posting here.

Thanks for the info. Good luck getting to that boat!