There are many, many hurdles to evercome before something like that would be possible.

The crews may need to be locals, and if not, they will need extensive license conversion, like a JAA ATPL

I would probably do a stint in either location if offered...I like to travel anyway, and that give me the benefits of travelling without the actual travel! Presumably cost of living isn't too bad in quasi-third world countries.

 

As an XJT FO, I can say that the rumors abound. We have several things going in our favor though. First is that the airplanes that we are losing are all LR and XR (the ones with winglets) models. Lets put it this way. We do IAH-BOI and IAH-YYZ, both 3 1/2 hour flight and we are normally able to take close to 50 people (+/- 2 depending on wx) on both routes, which is just about longer than other 50 seat jet can do.

Second, since we were the launch customer on the 145 models, and are Embraer's biggest 145 customer, the lease rates that are on those planes are excellent! so even if we are paying CAL more for the a/c, its still a very competitive rate.

Third, its a win-win situation for CAL. They get paid extra money for us to use these airplanes. Now, I'm pretty sure they have to put out a new RFP for another carrier to fly those routes AND supply the RJs. Or, they can use some of the 23 737s they ordered to use on some of the more popular routes.

I'm very cautious about whats going on at XJT, and the rumors are a dime a dozen here. We have heard just about everything from Southwest flying to gutting out the planes down to 19 seats and doing a charter thing. Whatever happens, it should be interesting to say the least.

IF things work out at XJT, I have to say, its pretty much one of the best regional airlines out there. As much as I am not happy with ALPA, I'm glad we have it. We have a great Human Performance group. Our vacations are protected. So far we have been able to stop prefferential bidding. And our union has a pretty good working relationship with management. I'm glad I'm at XJT and not elsewhere!

 

I don't think you would really prefer UAE...nice ameneties, but it's like living your life inside a gigantic mall...there is no outdoor anything, except maybe beaches (with zero surf) during the temperate season.

 

I know why browntail posted this article. Mesa is seen as the slum of the regional industry (no disrespect to Mesa pilots). So when he sees something that shows Mesa as performing well, he posts it as fast as he can. He wants people to feel that flying for a living is miserable, and will continue to be miserable.
He has no interest in contributing to this board.

Also, who gets this kind of newsletter??? I know who! People who want to become pilots. These look like the kind of broucheres that high school and college kids get from airline academies. I have long claimed that browntail is under 20, and has absolutely no airline experience!

Furthermore, I have also exposed he has an agenda. He is doing everything possible to tell you how crappy your job (or future job) will become. He wants to discourage as many people as he can from becoming pilots. He wants those good airline jobs. He doesn't want you. And he will go out of his way to tell you how miserable flying for a living is.

I have exposed you browntail. I know why you posted this link. You have an agenda. Now please tell me how young you are!!!



P.S. those financial numbers are pretty bad. They do not impress me. I am also glad you posted this link. It appears as if Mesa OWNS most of their -900's. This is very interesting. What is going to happen if/WHEN US Air guys vote in a 71+ seat scope clause. Mesa will be left with 30 CRJ-900's that they OWN.

 

You are right, you caught me! I do not work for an "airline".

 

There are 38, probably more on the way.

Unfortunately Airways pilots cannot "vote-in" anything of that nature. When their someday combined contract is due for ammending they can attempt to re-negotiate scope if they like. But negotiations are all give and take...since airways has a long term contract with mesa that would be hideously expensive to break for their own convenience, Airways would demand ridiculous concessions in exchange for getting rid of the 900's. The pilot group probably has more important things on their agenda.

What is more reasonable, and has been done in the past, is that a new scope might be created which "freezes" the number of 900's to the levels on the property at that time (might be a lot more than 38). That is good for the mainline pilots, but doesn't cost the company a fortune and screw up their operations by dumping useful airplanes that they are obligated to pay for.

 

why dont you guys get rid of your hardon about browntail???
he may make some annoying comments but dont you think you're throwing gas on the fire by letting him get under your skin? just ignore him, he'll get tired of it eventually, and even if he doesn't - who really cares?

lets be adults here

 

Rumors do abound here at XJT about the 69 airplanes. Some of the best I've heard:
- Flying to Mexico for SWA
-Redoing the airplanes with 19 pax corporate interiors
-CAL will have to contract with XJT for the flying anyway since no other regional has the lift to supply on such short notice
-Flying in Europe

But this is fact: Hiring was supposed to stop in July but it sounds like a class a week through the end of the year. Are they hiring now so they have plenty of people to lay off? I doubt it... Something is in the works for sure.

 

Flying to Mexico for SWA? Yeah, right....no way in hell thats gonna happen!!
SWA is successful because they have always stuck to their business plan, no way are they gonna change it now!

Corporate interiors? All 60 plus jets? Yeah right!!! Maybe 5-10 I can see, but no way are they gonna have enough business to convert 60+ jets!!!

Flying to Europe....come on, give us something that is at least realistic!!!

 

Clearly you are not familiar with the definition of rumor...

SWA does not ALWAYS stick to their business plan. Remember when their business plan was to only do short/medium point to point, not to codeshare with anyone and not to have hubs? Well now they do transcons, codeshare with ATA and just because SWA says LAS, MDW, BWI are not hubs does not make it so.

You are right on one point, the number I've heard is about 10 airplanes to be converted to corporate. In my opinion the rest will stay with CAL Express since no other regional can make 60 airplanes appear out of thin air.

And I didn't say flying TO Europe, the rumor is flying IN Europe as a regional carrier for a European airline.