Most of the problem is that we don't have enough of them yet so the company has to patch together the flying however they can. I think once we get up to 20 airplanes, the flying will start to improve. Until then, we are likely to continue to see these 8 day trips.

^
Totally agree. Once we have the 15 we should have by end 2014, I can see those 8 days going away. Question will be.. how many will be in LAX, in IAH and EWR? Or do they also start putting them in IAD and ORD also?

That is why I was amazed that LUAL had a 777 base in SEA with only one departure (I think..)
Got to wonder if they don't place 787 crews/planes almost everywhere too (at some point in the future)... that is, after they put the 737's everywhere! LOL

But, getting back to 8 day pairings/trips. Would have liked to have seen some sort of limit on that in the JCBA.
Raises the question, how does a reserve get called out to fly an 8 day trip if they can only be on reserve for 6 days. Writing on the wall for them to have their days rolled?!

Motch

Motch-

Looking at the foot-print of the current 8Day, it goes through/into LAX on Day 4, and back out West to NRT on Day 5.

The routing through LAX gives scheduling the ability/flexibility to break it up into two separate pairings (having the reserves currently available is another story).....IE-One reserve does days 1-4, and then the second reserve positioned to LAX will fly days 5-8.

I wouldn't put it past them to also DH IAH reserves IAH-NRT to do any direction of the trip as well being that the 787 base is so short on current/staffed pilots......thus the 200% pay currently underway.

SC