RAH: "The start of a new direction..."
 

Dear Republic Pilots,

I understand the reasons that you fought so hard for a single seniority list in your previous contract years ago. Management exploited the separate lists to their advantage, and you are to be commended for putting an end to it. Before I go on, I want it to be understood that I mean this particular part with the utmost sincerity.

However, as Bedford has stated in his most recent letter, "we can now begin, in earnest, the process of separating Republic and Frontier back into two independent airlines", I wanted to ask for the opinions of some of you as to why you would still be in favor of maintaining one seniority list.

I know why the IBT is interested - Money, plain and simple. Yours, ours, Fapas. What I am looking for is individual pilot's opinions.

Whipsaw? The greatest reason for a single list was to avoid whipsaw. But IBT has not been offered Airbus flying to undercut FAPA rates. And despite rumors to the contrary, FAPA pilots have not been offered 190 flying. Even if it were true, we would never accept flying at rates to undercut those you have right now. So whipsaw isn't a factor.

Furlough Protection? It seems that the CW here is that Frontier is on it's last legs (despite our tiny profit this quarter). If we are doomed to go out of business, then shouldn't it be FAPA pilots and only FAPA pilots that lose their jobs because of it? So furlough protection is out.

Pilot Solidarity? See: IBT lawsuit against FAPAInvest; Lanyard 'wars', all previous discussion threads between the Republic and FAPA pilots, etc etc... So THAT'S not it.

Because we bought you? The only one who gets to use that phrase, like it or not, is management. There was a very valid point made in another thread which (probably because it was so valid) never got any response from a Republic Pilot. If you as Republic pilots cling to the belief that you deserve things which were not rightfully earned because 'you bought us' then you must have it both ways. If you think you deserve all the spoils that come with buying Frontier, then you also deserve all the blame for what happened to all the former pilots and employees when 'you bought Midwest'. You cant pick and choose. You either deserve the rewards AND the blame, or you deserve neither.

So why keep fighting? Don't let the FFD profits that you have sacrificed so much to achieve be poured down the sinkhole that is branded ops. Speak up and tell Bedford that you never asked for him to buy two failing airlines, to put your future careers in jeopardy. Bid 'good riddance' to all of the 'uppity' or 'crybaby' FAPA pilots once and for all. Stop facing the prospect of extra dues assessments to fight those frivolous lawsuits from FAPA. Encourage IBT to support the coming petition for reversing STS status. Everybody wins right?

I mean, what other possible reason could there be for wanting to stay one list?

It really is very simple. My CBA requires there to be one list. If I do not fight for my CBA, then I should just throw in the towel.

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Whipsaw?- We're not out of the woods yet on a whipsaw. IF we take delivery of 195s or C-series or any other aircraft it'll be interesting to see if BB wants to offer them to legacy RAH and F9 to see who will work the cheapest.

Furlough Protection?- I don't see furlough protection as an issue unless we furlough 50% of the combined list. Right now all F9ers are ahead of me on the list so I'm not very protected.

Because we bought you? Since RAH bought F9, they might as well use it to make money for the entire company. The margin on FFD flying is 6-8% for next year. Depending on fuel prices, the margin for F9 flying could be much larger or could drive us to a loss. Right now, BB and co are anticipating a profitable year next year. I expect, if the CASM gets down to 6.5 or less it'll be profitable and BB won't want to lose that money and the ability to operate his own toy airline. Nothing has changed since BB got concessions. Right now he's working to comply with the commercial agreement signed with FAPAInvest LLC. Did you hear all the verbal stumbling he did when asked about separating F9? They'll separate it enough to keep it attractive to buyers and attempt to overturn the single carrier status, but I doubt he'll sell 51% to a third party if/when the company is profitable.

I won't support an STS reversal petition. I do not intend to play into his hand of creating shell companies under the holding company's umbrella. Just as I think we should have pushed back, hard on the Mokulele issue. IF F9 is sold completely, then I'd support the STS reversal. But while RAH gets any profit or has any liability from it, I think I'll continue to support the STS finding.

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Frontier is a failing airline that is dragging down everyone else at the company. Seperate it and eject it, once its on its own it will be killed much quicker without Republic supporting it.

My dream would be for Bedford to sell off Frontier and leave with them. Get a new CEO at Republic and go about our business flying regional feed for other major airlines and move on just like most of us planned before the whole BB airline shopping spree started. I would be all for a STS reversal in that case. However starting different shell companies within the holding company and having multiple pilot groups within each shell sounds a lot like Texas Air and good ol' Lorenzo.

Wrong on the first count (or at least it was talked about); true on the second.

Amen!!

+1 .

Then we are all in agreement. All those in favor of separation...

I have to ask, if Bedford succeeds in selling off 50.1%, thereby removing the stipulation you refer to in your contract, would you then support letting us go in peace? (The fact that you said it is 'simple' seems to say that this is your only real reason for opposing such a thing.)

Come up with enough money and it's all yours.

Lanyard wars?? These wars are simply made up and started by a few extremely immature F9 pilots...some of these tools have had the nerve to tell our guys they can't use their own non-rev benefits and sit in an open seat. What an absolute joke..happened a few days ago from an F9 CA who I'm pretty sure was on To Catch A Predator. Loved the mullet and bad 80's mustache. D-bag.

For me, no. We have to sell 100% and have no liability. No shell company games or reduction of equity to 49.9% with farcical kick backs to FAPAInvest LLC.

It's a good thing that your opinion doesn't matter.

I believe I know of whom you are speaking and your assessment is extremely accurate. I apologize for his behavior. Our DO just put put out a memo reminding the pilot group to be professional and accommodating to RAH pilots and non-revs.

Did the RAH pilot get on? I non-reved on a 190 a month ago and both the cockpit and cabin crew were super to me. Thanks to DEN based 190 Captain Tony, FO Sean, F/A's Monte and Diane for the ride from DEN to OMA. I was hesitant to introduce myself and didn't really feel I HAD to as a non-rev, but I'm glad I did.

I'm an F9 guy and that is my dream as well. To get the @#^% away from the IBT.

Cheers T5

You know the funny thing is BB never mentioned anything about the F9 pilots staying F9 pilots. He just stated that they were going to separate F9 from RP. In fact, he did say that F9 needed significant cost reductions which makes me think that, knowing F9 guys want out from IBT, BB's gonna use that to get the F9 guys to give up more to be a completely stand alone. I can hear the cracking of the whips already!

Nor yours my friend ; )

The lanyards were for solidarity for IBT vs the company, not F9. Timing was just bad with the whole representation vote and all. Those lanyards all went out in January. I could see how some thought it was directed toward F9, but it wasn't.

True, I don't work for the NMB. But as you like to remind people, reading comprehension is a critical skill (as is retention). The original poster asked if we would support a petition (with IBT) reversing sts.

Try to keep up next time.

Bedford made you a promise he had no place in making. He promised to keep you separate even though our contract says anything owned by Republic goes on same list. It's a shame you're ****ed at the IBT, and Republic pilots for protecting their contract, and not at Bedford for lying you in the face.

As far as separating. I'm all for it as long as the money to buy off that 51% doesn't come from Republic ie. given to FapaInvest to buy controlling share of Frontier. This way you're ****ing me to get yours, and I don't think the IBT has done anything above and beyond protecting our contract, and due process. If you get a third party to invest, or get sold off, I wish you all the best luck. And if Bedford and Heller are a part of that deal, well, what a grand day that would be.

Please document said claim.

Have nothing to do with Republic or Frontier but why are they trying to get rid of F9. Any links etc.

I think that bedford's promise he is referring to is LOA 39.

Which contains no such promise. Nor does 67.

RAH is not trying to get rid of F9, they are trying to get paid.

Spirit has a market cap of $1.1 Billion with a B.
Allegiant has a market cap of $960 million.
RJET has a market cap of $190 million, and that is after a 50% rally yesterday.

A private equity group is going to roll into this with around $100 million dollars and around a 50% stake in the Frontier.

Then the Frontier IPO occurs, and they multiply their $100 by 2, or 3, or 5.

After the IPO, the RAH BoD are all happy (remember, they own a large minority stake). The Frontier pilots are happy (remember, we own a small minority stake). The PE group will be the happiest when they turn their majority stake into a nice big piece of cheese.

These transactions have NOTHING to do with labor or the SLI. They have to do with business. The RAH BoD is going to do what is best for them and the people that own RJET shares.

TPG, Wexford, Indigo, or Oaktree. They would all throw $100 million at this thing tomorrow if they could.

After the IPO, it is going to be LCC merger mania. The remaining LCC's are going to merge in an effort to protect whatever market share that remains against the monolith SWA-Airtran.

Or, we go out of business tomorrow. 50/50 chance of either path, but I am liking our chances more every day.

This is the first time I agree with you. This affects nothing. Unless they wash their hands completely the STS will stand and the SLI is still in play. Follow the money and the power. BB isn't going to miss a money grab, and he's not going to give up his seat running his own show unless he gets mega paid. Not a lot of change yet, but time will tell.

In your view, if Frontier is IPO'd and becomes a stand alone airline, the non-frontier pilots go with the aircraft? Tier 1 of the IMSL is mostly RAH pilots. Do you believe the top 700 pilots on the list will go?

If that is your position, what if Republic is sold?

What if Chautauqua is sold first? Do the top pilots go with Chautauqua aircraft or do you get to pick and choose where you go?

I'd say those "top tier" RAH pilots have earned it, don't you?! :p

Surely, you jest. Or are you just firing for effect?

Or do you mean they deserve to go with Chautauqua or Republic if one of them is sold first?

From the Webinar:

Airbus's in DEN making money, every other aircraft and the FFD is losing money.

135/145's are next target for restructuring or parking along with some 170's.

Frontier now has its own VP of Flt Ops, former FAPA VP. We also have our own Director of HR and Benefits.

He's just telling you what you want to hear f9

Same numbers given on the Q3 Earnings call on Tuesday, submitted to the SEC and subject to SOX.

What earned the right to interview at a major?

Not sure I got that from the presentation. 190s are making money as are 319s and 320s, but 318s are losing money. The 135/145s are losing money and will likely be shifted back to FFD, and the 4 170s still flying branded will be transitioned out next year. But these numbers change depending on YTD or quarterly analysis.

IAW LOA 67, F9 will have the management types in place probably by the end of the year. It looks like f9 will have every position below COO, but no new CEO (which isn't required to spin off a shell company). So by mid next year, ceteris paribus, F9 will be 48% owned by Wexford, 49% owned by RAH, and 3% owned by FAPAInvest LLC. That's my guess. So no change.

I am jesting, my attempt at sarcasm while posting was apparently not obvious. The only thing that they deserve is to finish out their tenure at RAH flying an RJ and then leave to go to a major sans RAH seniority number like they originally planned.

Sorry, even my best friends will tell you I can be a bit slow at times......

You're right, I misstated that part. The 318's are losing money. I think we got them for next to nothing, sadly they're worth less than nothing.

I thought the 190's were only making money feeding mainline, but I could be wrong. I should have video taped the webinar....

Those 318's should be useful for parts and scrap metal at least.