New vacancy bids out at United in following catagories-

777 Cap LAX
320 Cap ORD
320 Cap DEN

400 F/O ORD
777 F/O LAX
767 F/O ORD
320 F/O DCA

 

How many vacancies for 320 FO? I couldn't find it on SkyNet. Is SFO the junior base for the Bus FOs? What time frame are the training slots? Heaven forbid this leads to a few recalls!!!

 

Actually, I believe that DCA has had the void in 320 FOs since the furloughs ended. Not the "junior" base but nonetheless, where the void is.

As to triggering recalls, well you can hope.

No numbers here but I doubt much will trigger recalls at this point. You need an increase in fleet block hours for that. There is your trigger for recalls to begin.

I can't remember the number, but 18 to 24 months rings true on the minimum time that the company target to make furloughs cost effective to them. Has it been that long yet? I took a voluntary in Jan 09. Guess the process started a few months earlier as I recall. So, from a company standpoint, say November 2010 at the earliest given an increase in block hours to support the recall. Until any such increase in block hours occurs, age 65 is the next viable trigger for recall. 2012?

While you might think work rules, etc., factor in when a new JCBA is inked, the company does their pilot requirements computations based on block hours for fleet and seat. Period. Minor or major shifts in work rules effect those numbers less than you think. Even PBS was a blip on the screen compared to parking 2 fleets after 9/11.

FWIW

Frats,
Lee

 

As we proceed down the path of staffing for the summer 2011 schedule and to support the recently announced LAX/PVG service, I'm pleased to announce that we see a need to publish vacancy bids. During the awarding process, we will be evaluating the need for secondary bids, so please ensure your standing bids are updated. As a reminder, paragraph 7-H of the Transition and Process Agreement lifts any bid freezes pursuant to Section 8-D of the United CBA. Some uncertainty remains over what our flying levels will be next summer, but the expectation is that we will continue to see additional vacancy bids in the first quarter of 2011.

Crew Resources and Analysis
PROPOSED BIDDING
Posted: 10/19/2010
Closed: 10/30/2010
EFF DATE: 3/2/2011
TRAINING DATES DEC, JAN, FEB

CAPTAIN

777 CAP LAX 3
320 CAP ORD 2
DEN 5
TTL 10

FIRST OFFICER

400 F/O ORD 7
777 F/O LAX 7
767 F/O ORD 5
320 F/O DCA 2
TTL 21

TOTAL CAP VACANCIES: 10
TOTAL F/O VACANCIES: 21

TOTAL VACANCIES: 31

 

The captain bids equate to roughly 40 additional FO's needed. Again, rough estimate.

Now, having said that, what is the current reserve utilization for FO's currently? Until you see the CANX level go up due to lack of crewmembers, you will not see a recall.

Yes, the company will wait way too long to recall. It is their way.

One new tag ain't gonna provide that stimulus for recalls. Hate to rain on anyone's parade.

Lee

 

Same source that let me know these vacancies were on the way says that company (United) expects at least a 3% increase in block hours for 2011. Just passing along what I've been told.

 

Could someone provide some perspective on what 3% might represent? As big as United is 3% looks pretty good to me.

 

Did they say how they would fly the increase with no new a/c? Is this rj flying. I just don't see how they can increase the flying on the airframes they have, seems like they are maxed out.

 

I think its possible to move aircraft deliveries from the old "CAL" to the new "UAL"... now that they are both under same Holding Company.

 

A couple thoughts, first from C57:

"Members of council 57,

Today, the company issued notice of intent to publish vacancy bids in order to be correctly staffed for summer 2011 flying levels. We expect to see bids in most seats.The numbers will be low initially due to staffing at TK being at a minimum level.
The company has also stated that all equipment bid freezes will be vacated and that they expect to backfill vacancy bid openings.
.....
"


Call me optimistic but I'd wager we recall a few in preparation for next summers flying. American is in tough times, DAL is expanding, even with the current economy we will report very healthy numbers tomorrow. We are no longer in the "shrink for a merger mode". These knuckleheads have the worlds largest airline and I don't think they are going to give that up so quickly, not while they have so many new toys at their disposal. Not predicting massive growth, just maybe a slow measured recall leading up to a larger one by 2012.

Again, maybe too much sunshine in coffee, but it can't rain forever, even though it feels like it has. Not holding my breath.

Last furlough had about a 12-15 month break from the last round of furloughs to the first recall if my memory serves correct.

Anybody know if our current aircraft mix is underutilized? I think the first combined earnings call tomorrow may hopefully shed a little more light on next year.

KC