12 pilots to be recalled...

rumor or fact?

Rumor.... Not even a valid one. It was just speculation from somebody on the spiritboard.

Wanna bet?

Sure....

Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - Spirit exits Cayman

Spirit Exits Cayman

By Cliodhna Doherty, [email protected]
Thursday 26th February, 2009 Posted: 18:08 CIT (23:08 GMT)
> Comment on this story

Spirit Airlines is not resuming service between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman this March, citing the US recession and decline in travel to the Caribbean.

Last August the low cost US carrier suspended its service to the Cayman Islands for six months because of increased fuel prices and lower load factors than other Caribbean markets.

It was to resume service from this March with two flights a week.

However, in an email to the Caymanian Compass, Misty Pinson from Spirit’s Corporate Communications office for North America said: “Due to the US recession and subsequent decline in demand for leisure travel to the Caribbean, Spirit has made the decision not to resume service to Grand Cayman at this time.”

Spirit Airlines launched daily service between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Cayman in February 2006 but scaled down service seasonally and had offered only two flights a week by August last year when service was suspended.

At that time, Ms Pinson said load factors to Grand Cayman were lower than in comparable Caribbean markets Spirit served and she noted that Spirit’s peak season to the Cayman Islands is actually in summer.

When asked if they were considering terminating Grand Cayman service altogether, she said, “We constantly review the results of all markets we serve.”

At that time Minister for Tourism Charles Clifford said his Ministry was disappointed that service was being suspended but they were not surprised that Spirit would have had difficulty with their load factor on the route due to the proximity of Miami International Airport which is approximately 10 minutes flying time from Ft Lauderdale.

You have my word that Spirit LOST the arbitration.

I spoke directly to a Spirit VP and confirmed that basic fact. He did not disclose any details other than to say that it was a lengthy ruling.

I wish that I had details and could define "LOST" for the arbitration ruling. I can't, but I am willing to say that the PILOTS WON.

Thanks to ALPA and the ALPA lawyers who ran the case.

The Reps can't put out anything until the entire ruling is read and digested. I hear that it was a lengthy paper. The Official ALPA info will have to wait until ALPA Representation gives the full meaning to the MEC.

Patience everyone.

Grand Cayman was always a soft market for Spirit. I read this the other day. Since this wasn't current flying I don't think it accounts for that much flying. The increase in flying for the summer is still quite large. BUt it will see how interesting this gets with them currently flying with 0 spare aircraft.

What does Spirit not operating two flights a week to the Caymans have to do with 12 pilots being recalled due to the 5 day off ruling?

Im not siding with anyone here so dont get excited, I will believe it when I see the vacancy bid.

So...do we have increase flying this Spring-Summer or not. Can we cover it with current A/C-Crews or not, and does anyone have a current Sen. List.(Current as of mid Feb-09).