DCA A321 FO

No, he would have used the word illegal, not inefficient.

e6bpilot

Just wanted to thank guys who have contributed to this thread. It is very informative for hopefuls and clarifies a lot of the negative hoopla that is out there. Turns out the sky isn't falling.

Have there been any projections going forward after this next round of hiring? Are this next round going to be stuck on west coast reserve for a while, especially with the remainder of the AirTran guys coming over?

captain152

Out of curiosity where do the current pilots on property (both AirTran and SWA) see the hiring stemming from?

I'd take a job there in a heartbeat if it were offered to me, but I just don't get where the numbers are coming from. Are the attrition/retirements enough to offset the 717s to DAL and the AirTran pilots making the transition?

bull

I know several junior guys that left for the big 3 as they begin to hire...fwiw

Thunder1

Great question. A lot of us are surprised at the amount of hiring SWA is doing this year. It makes some sense if you factor in the following:
- Age 65 retirements
- Increased sick call rates as the older pilots deal with health issues or realize they don't want to retire with lots of sick leave that can't be sold back --- use it or lose it.
- FAR Part 117: supposedly requires more pilots
- significant increased vacation liability as pilots earn an extra week of vacation after 5 yrs and 10 yrs of service
- Wright Amendment going away; more gates at DAL; more nonstops
- Significant # of new slots awarded at Reagan National (DCA)
- New international terminal at Houston Hobby opening in 2015
- possible new routes into Mexico, Carribean, C. & S. America in 2015

However, like all things in this industry I'll believe it when I see it as far as the growth is concerned. Hope we aren't over-hiring so our lines become less efficient and open time decreases. Best wishes!

WHACKMASTER

Also, SWA just announced zero fleet growth for 2014 & 2015. Negotiating tactic? Perhaps. All this hiring doesn't really add up though.

Thunder1

Yep. That's been GK and MVdV song for a while now. But as someone else posted earlier what matters is block hours. Yes, I know at some point you need more metal to truly grow, but I'd love to see our actual 2013 company wide block hours flown vs. what 2014 will end up being. I know it's going to be higher but how much - 3%, 5%?
Whackmaster -- any idea where to pull that data?

Woodbourne

To add some flavor, and don't crucify the rumor spreader here,but... In addition to all the reasons stated for hiring, what I am still hearing on line is gk is front loading captains as to nullify the ability of any former air tran pilots to transition left seat to left seat. I think this theory has been discussed on another thread, but it is still "active". Fwiw

WHACKMASTER

It only makes sense. I'm confident that SWAPA and the company are once again commiserating against you know who. Status quo.

WHACKMASTER

No idea where to get that info. What makes you think that block hours will be higher in 2014 vs. 2013?