Allegiant 757 Operation

[johnsonrod]

So, I hear that the 757s are starting up their pre-Hawaii flying domestically. What's the plan and potential timing on starting the Hawaiian flying (how long does ETOPS qualification take)?

A few more questions. Is the 757 still going senior among the pilots? How many 757s are expected on the property total (I thought 6 had been ordered)? Does anyone know if there will be a 757 pilot base other than the proposed Honolulu base?

 

[Fubijaakr]

It took 720 days from the first application for ETOPS to certification at our place.

 

[johnsonrod]

It took 720 days from the first application for ETOPS to certification at our place.

I guess better late than never. The great thing about those Hawaiian tourists is that they stay in Hawaii for generally a week or more. We all know that Allegiant makes big money on the vacation packages associated with its flights - so, Hawaii, with the longer stays on average, will make a lot of money for Allegiant when it officially begins...

Any more details on estimates, etc. per my original questions?

 

[gutshotdraw]

One of the airplanes was seen in Allegiant livery recently on the gate at LAS. The local newspaper report indicated it was being used to walk-thru gate agents, baggage handlers, etc for training purposes. The article also said the other 3 Allegiant owned 757's were returning any day now from overseas leases.

As to bidding and ETOPS status, I can't help.

 

[Daytonaflyer]

The first 757 is in LAS right now. We're doing proving runs to RFD and MFE. The plan is to be done with ETOPS in about a year. 757 captain positions are quite senior. The FO positions are mostly junior due to the 3-year seat lock. Most senior FO's figure they can upgrade to MD-80 captain in less than 3 years, so why be stuck as a 757 FO? But there are a couple senior FO's interested in the position.

 

[crxpilot]

Correction: Proving runs are over about 2 weeks ago. The 757's are on revenue flights to Rockford and McAllen now.
From what I understand, every turn is being treated as an ETOPS flight (apu check etc) so that when the application is put in for ETOPS it will require much less time.

 

[gutshotdraw]

We know how accurate newspapers can be Was the RJ article correct about the other 3 airplanes coming back from lease in Europe?

 

[sshrae]

Good news, seems it wasn't that long ago they thought they might lose the md80 certificate. Step in the right direction.

 

[foodstamps]

Whats the outlook on hiring??