Sailor

Well, that's BAD news, but then again, it hasn't even been announced that they were recalling!...just the rumors...

Like I said before, these 2-3 upcoming months are going to be very long and mercky for the pilots at NK. Lets try to hang on a bit more and see what the OFFICIAL word is.

Sailor

Normann

I can only see two ways how zero recall is possible.

1. Returning old planes. I think this is unlikely. If they are trying to survive, they will need capacity. Plus it must not be that easy to return them either like it was in 2008. It is not like they can just return two A321s whenever they feel like. In 2008 they were invited by the lessor to do so. I doubt that is the case now. Good luck finding place for them. So if they do return, it will cost them. Much more than last time.

2. More efficient schedules. I can see this happening. They can try and overload the lines to 85 for the first few months of the year and lower reserve coverage. Everyone have fun flying with 13 days off. However eventually they will have to bring them back down because on anything over 83, folks time out by December.

I speculate #2 would make sense. Because it fits the role the company is playing for the possible strike. Perhaps spice it up a little by announcing that they will need to return planes if the pilots do not vote in a TA. Did they not do this last time around with the 401k? That is like negotiations 101. Furthermore it will also give them some space to see how this 2010 is folding out. They can always make a recall later past or half way through summer when they will have a better feel for what the market does, oil prices, etc.

Just my 2 cents... pure and 100% speculation... but it did kill 20 min of my day

ALPO Whisperer

Management would tell you that we are overstaffed. Folks are picking up open time left and right. Some of our reserves NEVER fly (although I run into some that are always flying!). Seems the company has no problem covering all the flying and then some!

Even so, I think the recall delay has LESS to do with productivity and MORE to do with a potential strike...

bubi352

At least there is some attrition. I was told one FO (that I know of) is leaving for Etihad in two weeks. With Emirates hiring, maybe we will see more in the coming weeks/months.

A320Flyer

I believe 5 F/O have left/are leaving this month. I personally know 2 that left for Etihad and one that went to Qatar. And I also got confirmation from "upper levels" of no recalls anytime soon... sucks.

Sailor

I hope this is only driven by contract negotiations and nothing else.

ALPO Whisperer

Well, my sense is that economics may be catching up with our little airline. We are a vacation destination type airline. Those travelers are staying home. The economy is NOT recovering to the point where companies are willing to hire. The "Big Boys" are feelin' the loss of business traveleres. Oil is rising, credit markets are tight, unemployment is NOT coming down, and companies all around the globe are trying to figure out "what's next" in this new economy.

Contrary to what most people THINK, I think our airplanes are not as full as other carriers I jumpseat on. It has me pretty concerned seeing loads as little as 50 pax or less on some flights that we use to easily fill up.

Couple all this with a potential strike (I'm of the belief that the company will actually let us walk) and our future is very uncertain.

bubi352

Good to hear. Do you know of others leaving in the next few months? I see Emirates started also a round of interviews.

Sailor

I'll take the Silver Plated Gun, w/theeeeeee gold Bullet. Ohhh and a hand towel please....

Why everything has to be bad news with this Co.!!Its like watching the CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC, ABC CLOWNS!!! Bad news after bad news!!!

A320Flyer

Hate to say this...but the Inflight Instructors are telling the FA's during the A320 "qualification" classes at Miramar that the A321's are going away as soon as March...
Maybe that's the reason for no pilot recalls...