Attracting and keeping. United has just started hiring, American is starting interviews again after the winter break and Delta is hiring big as well.
We're growing, but growth can't happen without hiring pilots.

I think someone called it a "fools errand". But I think facilitating this scenario anyway we can (word of mouth etc) can't hurt in finding any pressure available to help move mgmt

I believe you're referencing my comment. And I'll say it again, it's a waste of time to try to discourage people from coming here. 2nd year FO at Spirit is in a more lucrative position than half of all available 121 pilot jobs in the US airline business. Until that bottom 50% of pilots in the US airline industry no longer exists, it's a futile effort. And as an aside, not everyone makes employment decisions based on ever changing pay rates. Sometimes it's based on who calls first.

Believe me, I'm all about getting the best contract. I just don't think that idea is a useful one. Look at how many pilots kept going to US Airways when they operated under their sorry joke known as LOA93. Now they think they're the 'belle of the ball'. The point is: things change.

^ can't argue with any of that.

With the Usairways deal it was a bet on the future since the contract was concessionary. Our contract is not concessionary.

With The big 3 hiring probably 200-300 a month once things get fully ramped up, I don't think it would be that hard to persuade a pilot, if they're not the hop around type, to stay where they are until one of the legacies or better paying lcc's call.

Must pilots are smart and do their research. This will probably happen all on its own. I remember when I got my 1000 pic in 2007 and every major on the planet would be knocking down my door I did not even consider spirit. With the new contract it became a serious option that I pursued though.

Think about what you would do?

Just had a Delta pilot on the JS. Says they will hire around 1600 this year. United will hire around 1800. I have not verified these numbers beyond that.

I've heard slightly lower numbers, but even still, those numbers are huge.
There are an enormous number of applicants at United, Delta, Southwest, AA, JetBlue, and Spirit, but that number is a little misleading. There aren't 10K separate applicants at Delta, 8K at Spirit, 10K at United, etc., they're all the same guys. Even my airlineapps is still active until my subscription runs out.
So, there's a finite number of pilots out there, there will be competition for pilots, especially in the next three to five years.
I really think we're gonna lose some quality pilots, probably before our next contract.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1421041824.786682.jpgi heard this rumor but didn't realize they had solidified an actual date. Any idea what gates we will be occupying? Psyched about possibility of better food options but did like the short walk at the h terminal

MSP agents said E gates , but that was back in the summer so who knows what may have changed. Pretty central local if it's true. The old delta gates are vacant at the end if memory serves.

My best guess would be the even side of E. That is where USAir, AA, and United all park. Probably a consolidation of the gates between USAir and AA.