With the announced reduction in the UAL B-737 and B-747-400 fleets, comes the reality of a reduction in the pilot workforce. The sad truth is that those reductions (furloughs) will occur, it's just a matter of how many and when ?
As of 5/3/2008, there were 7,776 pilots on the seniority list. The most junior pilot holds seniority number 008201 from the 7/1/2007 seniority list. He was hired on 3/31/2008 and his present seniority number is approximately 007768.
The discrepancy in numbers stems from the fact that United "re-adjusts" the pilot seniority list every year on July 1st. The normal age 60 retirements between 7/1/2007 and 12/12/2008 account for a large portion of the difference plus there have been numerous resignations since 7/1/2007. Just what number the most junior man will hold is conjecture but it probably will be around 007764.
The retired pilot who provides the UAL MEC with pilot seniority data has recently concluded his projections for the furloughs and unfortunately, it's not a pretty picture. Keep in mind that his data base is so accurate that United management actually contracts with him for manpower projections.
He has offered a projection of 1,641 furloughs, which will take United all the way back to those furloughed after 9/11/2001.Those in the know, and I'm not one of them, predict that United will wait until after July 1, 2008 when the "new seniority list" is published before announcing any additional furloughs. With the uncertainity of crude oil futures, that number can obviously change.
To those at United, good luck . The only certainty is that the light at the end of the tunnel is in fact a train coming. Hopefully, it will slow down.....
This is being offered as a "head up" those those concerned and a be prepared to everyone as United isn't the only group affected.