SDF: A300 vs 75/76?
 

Hello all, I’m wondering if there is any real difference between A300 and 75/76 domestic in SDF. Are the schedules essentially the same? The relative seniority? What are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks!

That's a good question, I'm curious to see the answers. I'd say that the 75/76 world has a lot more options should you decide to do something else later. You can move to ONT, MIA, or Z with little to no training and the 74 and 77 will be very familiar to you should you transition.

I recommend to my friends who are going to commute that they bid the 75/76 exactly for the reasons pointed out. The flexibility to move about inside the system (primarily domestic to Z) could prove invaluable for a commuter. Personally, I think the trips are ever so slightly better on the Bus than domestic 75/76. I haven't looked at it recently but I think the Bus reserve utilization is lower (at least recently). So for those moving to SDF, I recommend the Bus.

There is extremely little hope, practically zero, that we would ever see additional A-300s on property and we are growing the 76 fleet. The 76 is still in production, is a known quantity, and requires no additional training footprint. An overnight solution to lift shortage when you can get your hands on one. All that to speculate that UPS will continue to seek opportunities for further expansion of the fleet.

IMO

Bus will get you seniority faster in F/S/D as seat locks expire and FOs bid to Z or MD, and its bottomfeeder schedules aren’t *quite* as bad as bottomfeeder domestic schedules.

757 has more overall options and is definitely the smart play if you want SDF but can’t get it on any fleet as a newhire.

One airplane/engine/avionics (for now) is better for us neanderthals, too

75/76 is more senior. schedules on both, especially junior will make you want to gouge your eyes out.

How do you think the additional 76 platforms will change the seniority on the fleet? The growth of the fleet should shift it more junior, correct? Do you think that seniority mobility will be enough to make a difference?

Another consideration is the potential cross-domicile reserve options the company has its the 757/767. Almost impossible sometimes to see what's coming down the line with regards to reserve callouts compared to the A300 fleet.

Bottom feeder schedules on both fleets suck. If you have designs to go to ONT, MIA, or Z then go to 75/76. Your ability to cross the fence is a lot greater than the Bus. Plus, the Bus will never grow. We just ordered 4 more 76's.

Agree and I would add if you are going to move to SDF choose the Bus; TODAY, the schedules are ever most slightly better and TODAY reserve utilization seems better. Disclaimer... tomorrow may tell a very different story.

Our B757 & B767 folks must be the sharp tools in the shed. Two aircraft, 3 engine types, numerous configuration variances.

Not to mention the bathroom and jumpseats in the cockpit.

So if all of the good info about schedules, fleet growth, and domicile mobility for commuting means nothing to you. If you just want an easy comfortable ride, the Bus would probably be a better option.

:D:D