Delta AE is out

[NuGuy]

[FONT=Verdana,Verdana][FONT=Verdana,Verdana] The process at Northwest is different because they currently operate under a scheduling system which provides for a [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Verdana][FONT=Verdana,Verdana]monthly [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Verdana][FONT=Verdana,Verdana]system bid (called an Advance Position Award, or APA) that continually adjusts to their network needs. [/FONT][/FONT]

Heyas,

From this tone of this, it sounds like Delta Flight Ops would like to have the NWA APA system instead. Maybe it's something we can work on in 2012.

Even without the separate block/reserve categories, it would provide the pilots MUCH more flexibility and predictability and allow the airline to manage staffing in a much more dynamic manner.

Just to recap it for our FD pals:

It's a two tier system, with 1 permanent and 1 temporary preference card, which is basically just a list. Anything above your current position is considered an award, anything below is considered a displacement.

Permanent bids, for actually FLYING the position, close on the 5th of each month, four months prior. The award comes out 15 days later on the 20th, 3.5 months ahead.

There's no "up to 1 year to convert". The company must have you trained by the time the position becomes effective. If not, you get the pay anyway. In %99 of the cases, training starts 2 months before the effective date of the bid, allowing you to predict VERY effectively when your going to be in training. This lets guys "sharpshoot" if they don't want to go to training during the summer or the holidays. For guys that don't mind MSP in December, it lets them snag an award if they are just below the cusp.

No waiting for base swaps wither. Swap every month if you want, and can plan ahead. No languishing in a position, wondering "gee, I wonder when the next bid will come out", watching the calendar pages tick by.

ULTRA micro-managing of the staffing comes from Temporary Bids. These close on the 25th each month, or 5 weeks prior to the flying month. These are awarded when the bid lists for monthly bidding comes out. So as not to skunk those who have a permanent position at the base, TDYs are award their schedules after everyone else. This is a GREAT system for trying out a new base, AND the company pays your hotel and gives you positive space from HOME to base. Highly coveted by commuters, it is one of the last "really good deals" around.

Not to bash it, but the current DAL system seems to give all the cards to the company, with very little in the way of predictability. There are parts I like...the ability to specify a VD seems like a good idea, along with the "percent bid".

The company would win on this too. They get to micro manage the staffing, as well as fine tune the number of people going through a training cycle.

Maybe there is some room for a hybrid system.

Nu

 

[Fly4hire]

Nu, They didn't want it during the JCBA process. Hopefully we'll get over the "not invented here" mentality. Much of the JCBA is going to be like going back to NWA 98'pre-strike.

 

[NuGuy]

Much of the JCBA is going to be like going back to NWA 98'pre-strike.

Heyas F4H,

The computer systems/home access/PBS sure seem to back that up. Where's Prince singing 1999 when you need him?

We've got some fairly smart computer gurus, like SS, GH and others...I'm sure that if there's a way to make things easier, they'll find a way.

Nu

 

[Noserider76]

Heyas F4H,

The computer systems/home access/PBS sure seem to back that up. Where's Prince singing 1999 when you need him?

We've got some fairly smart computer gurus, like SS, GH and others...I'm sure that if there's a way to make things easier, they'll find a way.

Nu

Not sure what your beef is with Delta technology. We have a web-based system you can do anything from any computer you can do in the crew room. They were the first to implement gate info screens, auto agent free rebooking, kiosks, and other passenger conveiniences. We can just look at the onboard passenger experience to see who should be playing 1999.

 

[FBN0223]

From what I hear in MSP, some of the NWA tech will come along. At least the flt ops. tech stuff, that is.

 

[hockeypilot44]

Not sure what your beef is with Delta technology. We have a web-based system you can do anything from any computer you can do in the crew room. They were the first to implement gate info screens, auto agent free rebooking, kiosks, and other passenger conveiniences. We can just look at the onboard passenger experience to see who should be playing 1999.

The most important thing to us is bidding system. Delta's is way behind ours technology wise.

 

[DTW320]

How about booking a jumpseat via computer. How about having that done automatically via third party software after loading your commutes once.

 

[RedRum]

Not sure what your beef is with Delta technology. We have a web-based system you can do anything from any computer you can do in the crew room. They were the first to implement gate info screens, auto agent free rebooking, kiosks, and other passenger conveiniences. We can just look at the onboard passenger experience to see who should be playing 1999.

Okay well... my Dad can beat up your Dad. HA HA

I am sure everything is being looked into that can be and we will end up with the best of both worlds over time.

I thought NWA was the innovator with the kiosks. When it comes to technology I know NWA has been pretty proactive. Just read NWA was the first to have electronic boarding passes via Blackberry (web enabled phone) Also I think NWA was the first in developing 24 hour advanced check in procedures.

Looking forward to the best of both worlds.

Cheers

 

[GogglesPisano]

I'll be the first to admit that e-Crew is an 1990's-era DOS-based antique. Nothing like a hearing a chorus of "you ********************ed up your entry" harp-strums in the crew lounge every time you walk in.

DeltaNet and TravelNet are fairly user-friendly, however.

FWIW Indy-Air had a much more user-friendly and advanced crew website.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Having had much experience with both systems:

Just one walk up to the gate and you can see how much more commuter friendly DL operations are... automated standby assignments, no walking down to get the jumpseat form signed, then back up to the gate, then back down finally when the gate agent gives you the go-ahead... Travelnet is also much more user friendly than the NWA stuff.

The Delta PBS system I believe is as good or better than the NWA system.


On the other hand, PARS, while still archaic and written by Neanderthals, seems to be a bit better than the Delta "blue screen." I like the idea of the NWA "APA" system a bit better as well...especially with all these fluctuations in aircraft utilization coming.


Just remember (both DAL and NWA)...what you are familiar with can make it seem better than something else. NWA guys will need to keep this in mind, and DAL guys need to be sensitive to NWA guys in this regard. NWA guys are having alot of changes thrust upon them soon.

On the other hand, PARS is superior in my opinion