$10/gallon is a stretch, but actions such as shutting down the Keystone pipeline or other environmental mandates could increase the price of fuel. If fuel does go up, smaller aircraft (especially really old 50 seaters) will become even less viable. Higher fuel prices up to a point could drive flying back to us since the fuel burn per seat is much less on larger equipment, past a certain point will result in high ticket prices and force many customers out of the market.

You mean elections have consequences? Who would have thunk?

Too many variables to say. I do think UAL was smart to get out in front with their carbon neutral commitments. Could keep the feds off their back- for a while at least. I could see a GND framework where airlines are able to get gov't approval for their own carbon plans as long as they meet certain standards at predetermined gates, rather than being micro-managed by the feds.

Aviate Program Update

On Monday January 25, United broadcast a Microsoft Teams presentation on the "State of Aviate". Aviate is the program United has developed to find the best candidates and increase opportunities for our pilot hiring pipeline. Under Aviate, United has partnered with several airlines, Part 135 operators, universities, and FAR part 141 flight schools.

United MEC Chairman Captain Todd Insler was a featured speaker during the presentation. He focused on ALPA's extensive involvement in the program and was joined by United Airlines President Brett Hart and Aviate team leader Captain Curt Brunjes. Mr. Hart stressed the importance of attracting the best talent and reiterated that United gains strength through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Captains Insler and Brunjes then conducted a question-and-answer session to close out the presentation.
United plans to be in a competitive position emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the pilots who have left the seniority list in the P-VSL program, as well as traditional retirements, United hopes to begin hiring pilots in late 2021. If 2019 levels of flying return, so must a commensurate compliment of flight crews. To match 2019 levels, approximately 1000 pilots will have to be hired and trained in the next year or year and a half.

While the traditional sources of pilots remain to fill vacancies, the Aviate program will begin to interview new potential candidates on February 22, 2021.

Gotta keep that carrot a danglin'......

This is all predicated on “If 2019 travel numbers return”. The odds of that happening quickly are slim and none. Lets be realistic about things.

You have some countries talking about shutting down the entire air system. Others are tightening travel rules and hoops to jump through. People will drive way before jumping on an airplane if they can help it. Many road trips are in the future for the mass public.

Thanks Debbie...https://media3.giphy.com/media/SfPHD...&rid=giphy.gif

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion. Definitely the first words that pop in my head when I think of the UAL MEC with their 50 shades of gray hair. 🤣

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/29/unit...-job-cuts.html

Wah waaaah.

I believe they recalled employees that they furloughed as part of the cares 2.0. Now they get furloughed again in April.