Airline Pilot Central Forums - Best Regional(s) in a Bad Economy

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SkyWest has never furloughed, has lots of money in the bank, and the seniority list is moving as fast as any other regional right now. They have more domiciles than most and pay comparable to other top regionals. They've also added contracts with Alaska, United and Delta within the last year.

It's still a regional, not without its own issues, but def one of the better ones. As someone else said, in this business, it's best to choose one where you can live in domicile as commuting, especially to a regional, kinda sucks.

Best of luck in your decision.

Best Regional(s) in a Bad Economy

Quote:

Originally Posted by SqueeG (Post 2036492)

I'm a 135er exploring making the jump to the 121 world.

I've seen a lot of questions/answers about pay, reserve/upgrade times, bases, flow, QOL, etc. Great things are happening in the regional world (or else I wouldn't be looking). However, from all I can tell there is a given assumption that nothing bad will happen to the economy that would negatively affect regional employment in the near term.

That said, I've never seen this question asked/answered, so here goes....

IF you felt the risk was fairly high that the economy was going to take a hit in the near future and there was a risk of getting furloughed because of your low seniority, what regional would you go to? What regional is likely to best weather an economic downturn and recover from it the fastest?

Obviously, good pay, upgrade times, etc. means squat if one is sitting on furlough. Also, please understand I'm not trying to rain on anyone's good-times, I just want to take the worst-case scenario into consideration as I evaluate all the present job opportunities out there. Thanks.

Don't take a way the punch bowl! P/E Ratios of 1:26 are the new normal it's time to buy, buy, buy! Stocks aren't overvalued by 17%, you're just 17% over-pessimistic!

In all seriousness, the impending economic downturn will cause a slowdown in hiring and airline growth, but I can't imagine furloughs are likely given the consistent rate of retirements. Doesn't mean you shouldn't make a calculated move but I think it'll be more disappointment than impending doom for our career stability/mobility when the economy corrects.

Quote:

Originally Posted by prex8390 (Post 2036657)

If the econemy were to tank I wouldn't want to be at a regional period

Getting a job at a Legacy was nearly impossible from 2002-2010. If you had one there and were junior good chance you were laid off. The flip side to that were the regionals grew like crazy. I upgraded at the beginning of 2004 and haven't made less than $90K a year since then. Beat the unemployment line that many other pilots were in at the time, -or going back to the right seat of a RJ.

Just want to say thank you for the well-intended responses. Wishing each of you a prosperous and safe New Year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah (Post 2037046)

Your assestment from 02-10 is accurate, but to each his own. I always felt anyone staying at a regional is taking the bigger risk long term. Today's darling may be next year's comair. I left my cushy RJ capt seat for a major in 04. And yes, even thought I was furloughed for 18 months, long term I'll come out ahead.