metx192

I don't think they'll ever be able to keep someone from going to a legacy. But I wonder what it would take to retain someone intending to make an intermediate hop to a ULCC.

Excargodog

For how many years? I think 2nd year FO pay at Spirit exceeds first year pay for most upgrading regional captains.

EngineOut

I was a lifer on the fence. The only place I could see going was SWA. I think we have seen SkyWest peak in this environment. I took the plunge and was fortunate enough to be hired by SWA.

If (when) the economy goes south, I would rather be stuck at SkyWest than any other regional.

This won't last forever. I think SkyWest is gambling on that. They are very conservative and very smart. If the execs' gamble is wrong, they will get axed.

rickair7777

This is true, but they had better be on their knees praying for an economic collapse because if legacy hiring continues on the known retirement schedule every regional will be hosed in about five years (or less). Unless mainline steps in with an ab initio program involving some time at partner regional. But the legacies themselves might have to hire CFI's.

Excargodog

Demographics may not be destiny but it's pretty damn close. We are looking at a huge spate of major airline pilot retirements peaking in 2023, and the backfill simply isn't there. Even if the fifty-five year old regional lifers decide that they are willing to take a cut in salary for a few years (while very possibly on reserve) and forgo being top man on the seniority list for the rest of their careers, that really only kicks the can down the road a couple of years. And from the troubles the training depts are having, need for remedial training sessions, increased sims, increased LOE times, etc., the candidate pool is getting a little picked over even at the regional entry level. And if there are vast numbers of well qualified applicants behind these, it isn't reflected in the number of commercial and instrument issuances.

Perhaps it isn't surprising that people who have prospered under the old reality find it difficult to adjust to the new reality, but reality tends to enforce itself on everyone, whatever the denial.

I think Skywest management is trying to deny reality right now. If they continue down that path, I don't think it will go well for them. In fact, it may already be too late.

redbone

That’s really interesting! I guess radio silence is a good thing.

calmwinds

When the entry level pilots have been picked over, the retirement age extended, flights to underserved communities reduced, and we start to see cancellations to cities that matter, we will see changes in how pilots are trained. Regionals may fold under the majors. Flight schools may be bought by the majors and ATP/FO requirements changed. Commercial aviation will go on and whether SkyWest exists or not depends on whether there are any independent regionals left and/or how SkyWest diversifies.

redbone

Any word on how far apart they were? Must’ve been pretty bad for them to send it back

Bartender

Inc. has painted themselves into a corner. They aren’t used to competing on the East Coast. Attrition is now outstripping hiring. XJT is falling apart. $20k bonuses on top of our contract still isn’t enough at XJT.

Tippy

Where did u hear it was turned down?