I'm just starting to get my apps out to a bunch of regionals, and XJT is one that has caught my eye. My question is, in light of the current "happenings" between XJT and CAL, what is the situation over there? I know they have possible plans to go independent and such, but what is the job security like? I know that there isn't much security in this industry in general, but I noticed they are doing quite a bit of hiring lately and I wondered what the situation is there......are people getting out or is there hope for a solid future? I'd love to work for them but don't want to get the boot a year after getting hired.

 

Been there almost a year. Not worried at all. We have cash in the bank and a diversified operation. Anyone that compares us to Indy Air doesn't know the facts.

 

Someone who posted a gouge on Aviationinterviews.com said there would be a big announcement on Jan. 8th.

 

Heh, they've been promising a a big announcement for a while now. One thing that is for sure in this industry: big announcements are never made when promised. I think you're going to see them announce some branded point to point flying unless we have won one of the RFP's that are out there.

 

Great place to work. Solid future. Still flying 200+ aircraft for CAL and getting paid well to do so. Great contract, recently extended (stability through 2010). Well run operation.

Corporate is taking off...will be growing fast. Branded flying seems like a done deal except for the announcement....Still RFPs out there to be announced (Midwest and Frontier). Even if we dont get those, branded flying is gonna be good.

Good captain attrition..... 30+ leaving per month for CAL and other majors. Lots of upgrades, and room to advance. Hiring 60-80 /mo for the forseeable future. Get in now.

Good luck.

 

This branded flying...what type of flying will you be doing? People don't like sitting on RJs for long periods of time mind you.

 

I'm not sure what the flying is going to be, of course they haven't told us anything. It appears though that it will be out of ONT. To where and through a code share with who we still don't know.

People don't like sitting on any airplane for too long of a time. They will ride on an RJ if the price is right. People don't like sitting in the back of a 737 with 4 stops going coast to coast, but if the price is right they don't mind that much.

 

okay help me understand this: ExpressJet flies 274 aircraft for continental right now yes? If they are removing 69, what is happening with the other 205?

 

Apply to as many companies as you can. Go to the interviews and see what job offers you get. If you live in Houston or want to drive to EWR than XJT would be a great place for you. If you live in Boston, LA, or Chicago than try to get on with one of the companies out of those cities.

As far as job security there really isn't any in the airline business. SWA is about the only one that is almost certain to be secure. A job that looks really good today may not be in 4 years when your getting the all important PIC time. XJT is secure for now and it is a good place to work (always subject to change). Most people are really nice and good to fly with. Management treats us pretty well, but they are still management. If you ask people at any airline they will tell you the same things, that every one at there company is nice and all of that. So bottom line is to go to an airline that is where you want to live with a pretty quick upgrade time, get your hours, and get a "real" job.

Good luck.

 

I think it is 15 are going to our charter department. We are still in the running for some flying at Frontier and Midwest. We are also going to start our own branded flying. The details are not official and out as of yet.

We keep hiring and upgrading people so something must be going on. We have never been a place that is well over staffed, so they must know something. I hope.