Just an opinion, no facts or rumors.
But if I was in the pool here at ExpressJet I would be going to Eagle or Republic. Those places have reasons to hire (attrition due to flow or new contracts) we do not. We have very little attrition and being all of our employees are paid "ok" and not miserably like other places it is harder for us to get new flying due to total costs and how senior ALL departments are compared to other places (pilot costs are a lot less of a factor than these boards portray them to be, so yes ALL of our departments). So your QOL here will not improve quickly until all majors start hiring more than the little they are. Also, why not enjoy the $5,000 bonus to help through first year that both of those airlines offer. We don't offer it here because we have very little attrition so very little need to be hired. Go to those other places and enjoy a descent schedule with a little less pay over your next couple years.

Personally I think they are telling you guys March just to keep you from running to other places. We shall see if my guess is correct over the next couple months.

 

Agreed, but I wouldn't go to Republic or Eagle either. Eagle is inflating their hiring projections just to get people to show up to class (first it was 600, now they're saying 450-500, next thing you know they'll suspend hiring). And of the big regionals, Republic has a relatively **** poor contract with no TA in sight.

Find a real job flying airplanes outside of the regionals making more money and don't wh0re yourself out to a crappy regional for $20-some/hr.

The pay at ASA and XJT is better by comparison, but the stagnation at the bottom of the list doesn't make up for that. You can make more money and spend more time at home flying something other than an RJ.

 

Going to Eagle, with your future uncertain? Last time Eagle hired a lot, they furloughed months later. It sounds like they are phasing out Eagle and giving their flying to everyone else. If people want to move a little now, they could go to Republic. But expect a huge QOL reduction compared to here and SKYW. Jumping on emotional response, of what things are doing now is irrational. We know too well, regional airlines are a crapshoot. Management likes to play smoke and mirrors to attract attention to pilots. There is an obvious reason why some airlines offer the hiring bonus, while others need none. If they had a descent QOL, they wouldn't need it.

We will be hiring in March/April for attrition. Go to an airline that will treat you right. XJet, SKYW, AirWhiskey, Compass etc..

 

I have to agree with DRS. This place is going nowhere fast. We are now the most expensive operator in the "Delta Portfolio", and now it looks like we won't be getting any of the growth on the UAL side either. Upgrade here is running about 8 years and I predict we're about to start shrinking again. Most legacies are now saying no hiring until 2014, so no attrition. GoJets, Republic, Eagle, or any other would be better for you than coming here.

 

Upgrade is just under 7 years for the junior domiciles, but it seems likely to get longer before it gets better.

 

We all agree on how slow things are moving here. Like Redbird said, upgrade time will be increasing. My guess is to 8 years.... However, only a few major airlines aren't hiring right now. Only delta, American and southwest aren't hiring... No idea what you're talking about with that. Only Delta has stated (subject to change) that they won't be hiring till 2014.
There will be attrition, but likely no movement as my guess is most of those leaving will be FOs.

 

I don't think things are as glum as a lot of people think at ExpressJet, but I am starting to get real frustrated by a lack of progress with the merger, along with what seems like a lot of blown opportunities by our management team.

As far as choosing between Eagle, Republic or ExpressJet, right now I'd probably take a class date at Republic. I haven't been in the industry for an extremely long amount of time, but it becomes more evident with each and every day that you can't have a sustainable career at a regional airline in today's environment. With that being said, If I was just starting out again, I'd place more weight on which company is growing and has airplanes right now that will fit current as well as future scope restrictions. When I came to ExpressJet, I did so thinking that I would be in a better position than most because of our solid work rules and contract. Well, in 1.5 years I've seen our Delta Connection fleet reduced, our merger stalled because of two stubborn MECs as well as no real hiring or growth on either the CRJ or ERJ side. Not to mention we have pretty much nothing but 50-seaters...

While Republic was out getting the Q400's and American feed, and Eagle was re-structuring for a more sustainable future, ExpressJet was planning the next Acey Day, finding new words to describe an ASAP form, and showcasing the opening of our brand new mega-shop in Atlanta...These are just examples of the inept management team we have...

I'd say the things we have going for us now are our CPA with L-Cal (it puts us at an advantage for replacement aircraft when the new United fleet plan comes out), and being owned by SkyWest, which allows us financing and economies of scale advantages when it comes to bidding on new flying.

I think in the end, ExpressJet will survive, but our upgrading and hiring will be based on attrition and not so much growth, cause if we get new airplanes I imagine it would be something like a 2:1 swap. That's just my 2 cents...To anyone who thinks the sky is falling here is wrong, but the opposite is wrong as well- We might have a very dark future ahead of us if we don't get things moving and capitalize on new opportunities. So, everyone at ExpressJet - just take a deep breath...the United fleet plan hasn't come out, there is a huge chunk of AA feed to bid on, and Delta hasn't been bad to us, yet...Not to mention, whether we like it or not, there WILL be movement when the retirements start coming, unless capacity at the legacies gets cut significantly...Just look at all the retirement numbers. Pilot shortage? No. Movement? Yes. Everyone just be patient.

 

We are theist expensive operator in the DCI portfolio. Do you really believe RA is going to give us a pass? And now management has decided to stonewall us in negotiations and negotiate directly with the L XJT side for new 700/900s. BOHICA!

 

Are poolies still looking at a potential March class date?

 

That's what they are saying. Late March to April. Although they really have no idea.