Boeing Aviator

Not according to fleet plan I posted above from today’s results release. At least not in 18 shows net gain of 3 767-300’s.

Boeing Aviator

I think he’s just saying that to reduce the negative analyist comments because of anounced growth next three years.

The only way I see The MEC agreeing to any more 70/76 seaters and then the pilots is if it’s flown by UAL mainline pilots at a mainline size appropriate rate, additionally with scope protections to prevent loss of 737 and Airbus flying. Otherwise no deal and a much longer traditional section 6 negotiating cycle.

Sunvox

On the plus side they are reiterating that UAL is done shrinking and will grow to compete where we have geographic strengths.

757Driver

I can call this one from the cheap seats. Kirby tells he need relief on scope and we say No. He then says ok, we'll let you guys fly them but we won't be budging on the already agreed upon crappy rates that we gobbled up when we fell over ourselves ratifying the extension.

But Mr. Kirby, says we, Delta's pay rates are way higher than ours for those particular RJ's. Bet you can guess what Kirby's reply will be.

Andy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt9qvVt0E_Y

Sunvox

Yes, honestly I am very surprised. I think Mr. Kirby is smart so I assume he knows the pilot group is unified on the issue of Scope. One poster suggested that the comment was meant to appease Wall St. and had no real weight. I am simply surprised at the comment. The reality is the company is adding 31 fifty seat planes next year because they are "choked" and can not add 72 seat planes. So to me Scope is working and now we have the upper hand and THAT may give Todd the bargaining chip we need to finally get RJ flying "in house".

Jetlink2Acey

I listened to the call, and multiple analysts asked about scope. Kirby did mention wanting a higher ratio of 76 seaters, but actually defended the pilot group's animosity towards scope relief. He mentioned cities like Rochester, MN, are ideal rj destinations but management in the past used them on routes like EWR-ATL while furloughing. He said it was the wrong move and that UA pilots are rightfully mistrustful of scope relief.

In fact, Oscar and Kirby both stood up against some analyst comments when it came to labor costs on a couple of questions. Pretty refreshing change from Smisek but still worries me on the activist investor front.

Said "stay tuned" with regards to a 100 seat aircraft.

Oh, and Oscar also said he wants an "on-time" industry leading contract for the pilot group.

They were under serious fire from the Wall Street gang the entire call for the projected 4-6% growth.

As for RJ's coming in house, I don't know if we will ever see that. Staffing with mainline pilots is one thing, but what if now you have to add mainline FAs, MX, rampers, etc? Two biggest costs are fuel and labor and now DL and AA can bleed you to death.

It should be an interesting 12 months.

Boeing Aviator

During the JCBA negotiations the company proposed a provisional concept of bringing a limited number of 50 seats to mainline. Flown with mainline pilots but staffed by regional FA’s and below the wing with regional staffing. Both MEC’s decided to pass on it at that time.

Nothing stops the company from bringing 70-76 seaters flown by mainline pilots and staffed with regional FA’s and below the wing regional employees. Last time it was too outside the box perhaps not now with proper protections not lose any Airbus or 737 flying.

CLazarus

With 24 mainline frames coming this year and lots of -9/-10 Maxes over the next few years I'm beginning to wonder if the 4-6% growth is already baked in with no need for any additional mainline buys. Too much math and time involved in figuring it out either way. I do think we'll see some retirements announced before long of the oldest 756s.

When the rumor of an order of new build 767s got going last fall, the numbers mentioned in the press were pretty high (50-100). With the 3 used Hawaiian frames finally publicly confirmed, I think even 50 is ridiculously high. Three dozen for us tops, BA would have to find homes elsewhere for more than that and I'm not sure they can. And, if we could find a dozen or so additional used frames then I think we'd pass on new 767s entirely until the 797 arrives.

You betcha. Thanks for the summary, didn't get the chance to catch the call live. Wondering if any more shoes will drop on Thursday... uniforms? Hope they end up looking better than Alaska's new ones.

PilotGR

We could be buying Expressjet...few articles have been published about it over last several months. We are only legacy that doesnt own regional feed. We need to streamline our ops.