ASA future with Skywest

[Gobi Gred]

I don't think big D would like a pilot group of that size controlling so much of their flying. A single list could shutdown a good portion of their flying at not one but two hubs. They weren't happy when Comair did it to just one.

 

[JumpersAway]

I don't think big D would like a pilot group of that size controlling so much of their flying. A single list could shutdown a good portion of their flying at not one but two hubs. They weren't happy when Comair did it to just one.

I don't think Delta really cares about pilot group size as much as they do cost. It's all about the almighty dollar. Also, the Delta MEC has made it very clear that any FUTURE regional flying under the Delta banner will be done by ALPA carriers. It's not done or set in stone, yet, but the movement is underway. Who knows what will happen with ASA. One thing is for sure- if Delta can get rid of us, they will- it's up to ASA's management to meet the cost structure outlined in our purchase agreement. If we fall short of that, we're gone- period. There is no philisophical relationship, or lifelong Delta/ASA friendship or business history that will amount to much. Delta is in this for the money, and not nostalgia. Don't think ASA can be replaced- United didn't seem to miss a beat with the replacement/phase out of ACA or Air Whisky. I'd say that's proof positive enough that it can be done.

On the flip side to the cost competitiveness issue. I'm making what a school teacher makes, without the pension or government bennies. My loyalty is strong with ASA, but it does come at a price, and it's the wage I currently make, and no less. I'll bleed for this company, and most importantly, for it's pilots- my brothers in arms. However, I refuse to run a pilot certificate charity.............

 

[pave driver]

Speedtape,

I agree that it is up to Inc. If they want a combined list it can be easily done. They'd simply and formally ask the ASA pilot group. Any pilot who resigns from ASA can be integrated by date of hire into the Skywest group. Very simple.

P.S. I think a new base is coming.

 

[Speedtape]

does anyone have fleet and pilot population figures for asa vs skyw in nov 2007 and now?
I see skyw is reporting
21 crj-900
67 crj-700
140 crj-200
52 emb-120
280 total

asa is reporting
38 crj-700
110 crj-200
148 total

in nov 2007 asa was around 1700 pilots.

Any corrections/additions?

10 crj-900--

And--The potential for the first all Italian flight crew at ASA before the end of 2009----
quello è magnificient
Nastro Di Velocità

 

[USCtrojan]

I don't think Delta really cares about pilot group size as much as they do cost. It's all about the almighty dollar. Also, the Delta MEC has made it very clear that any FUTURE regional flying under the Delta banner will be done by ALPA carriers. It's not done or set in stone, yet, but the movement is underway. Who knows what will happen with ASA. One thing is for sure- if Delta can get rid of us, they will- it's up to ASA's management to meet the cost structure outlined in our purchase agreement. If we fall short of that, we're gone- period. There is no philisophical relationship, or lifelong Delta/ASA friendship or business history that will amount to much. Delta is in this for the money, and not nostalgia. Don't think ASA can be replaced- United didn't seem to miss a beat with the replacement/phase out of ACA or Air Whisky. I'd say that's proof positive enough that it can be done.

On the flip side to the cost competitiveness issue. I'm making what a school teacher makes, without the pension or government bennies. My loyalty is strong with ASA, but it does come at a price, and it's the wage I currently make, and no less. I'll bleed for this company, and most importantly, for it's pilots- my brothers in arms. However, I refuse to run a pilot certificate charity.............

Jumpers,

Think how much money Delta would save if Skywest Inc. did combine lists (not Companies). They could summarily lower their rates and it would save a bundle over the course of a year and in the coming years. Additionally, how much more can Inc. make by cutting its costs and picking up more and more Contract flying. Nobody will be able to come close to the price Inc will charge. Out of sheer volume.

ASA or Inc. has first right of refusal in the DCI Contract. We can match any competitor to become the 2nd cheapest. I have faith in our mgmt. team its getting done.

Inc. loves their control. But think how much control you get from a pilot group that can live where they want to live. what would you be willing to give up to NOT COMMUTE?

Speedtape, thanks for bringing everyone down to earth for crying out loud, some of this stuff gets carried away!

Trojan

 

[JumpersAway]

Trojan- I agree with you that there is BIG money in a combined list. Hey- just the cost savings alone on the maintenance side would be tremendous, let alone what a merged certificate would yield.

As for commuting- I've pretty much given that up and decided to give up my house for rent, so it's not much of an issue for me now. I will admitt though, I was hopefull of a base in North Carolina, flying 900's for Airways................Guess I'll have to wait a little longer for my "Mesa's Out of Business" blow out party bash.................

 

[JumpersAway]

Speedtape- how about a German American flight crew? My mental image immediately flashes to some of those nice Fraulines like you see at Haufbrauhaus in Cincinnatti. However, my hopes and dreams are crushed by the oppressive tonage of our local Atlanta tallent, and smothered in blubber..............

 

[IBNAV8R]

How would one list prevent shrinkage?

 

[Texx]

How would one list prevent shrinkage?

It's not cold water.

 

[johnpeace]

So, who else on the ASA list would vote to leave ALPA to join the skywest pilot ass'n in pursuit of one seniority list. Since union membership would prohibit list integration...and they have no interest in joining ALPA...that's about what our choice is.

I'd take combined lists/certificates/merger over ALPA membership in a heartbeat.

 

[73belair]

So, who else on the ASA list would vote to leave ALPA to join the skywest pilot ass'n in pursuit of one seniority list. Since union membership would prohibit list integration...and they have no interest in joining ALPA...that's about what our choice is.

I'd take combined lists/certificates/merger over ALPA membership in a heartbeat.

Very short sighted.

 

[amcnd]

2796 Total pilots at SkyWest. 300 on some sort of leave. I would guess 2400 current flying pilots.

 

[Tarzan]

Very short sighted.

How so? I know DALPA is going after the idea of any future DCI flying being done by APLA guys only. However, I'd believe I'd be party to turning in my ALPA card for a SW number to get one list if I retained my date of hire. The benefits of ALPA seem to be diminishing by the day. Inc. has shown that they will take care of their people if their people take care of them.

If DALPA did secure that provision, the pilot group could secure always secure representation.

 

[wms]

If I were SKYW I'd probably want stay non-union. But even though ASA has changed a lot the last couple years, I'm not ready to give up the checks-and-balance we have with a union. Also, ALPA has a strong advocacy system in place for medical, certificate, LOL and other things that you don't have otherwise.

One other thing to keep in the back of our minds is SKYW,Inc has said it would like to buy another airline, possibly even be stand-alone in some part. It would work in our favor to be in good standing with ALPA, whether the other airline were ALPA or not. Think about that in a potential situation like RAH has now, and remember how much it hurt the USSAirways guys by not having representation.

 

[Andy Neill]

2796 Total pilots at SkyWest. 300 on some sort of leave. I would guess 2400 current flying pilots.

Thanks for that. So now we have
Nov 2007
SKYW ________ aircraft _______ pilots
ASA ________ aircraft.....1700 pilots

Now
SKYW 290 aircraft 2800 pilots (300-400 on leave)
ASA 158 aircraft __________ pilots (______ on furlough/leave)