ACA Grow or Flush?

[C-5 MEM]

AV8ATOR

I have seen so many statements about ACA that others make. I just get a kick out of reading this statements.
One thing I learned a long time ago. If you bring up statments about others, it takes the focus off other items. Just like in politics.

TV
CRJ/FO
ACA

 

[Burt Gutherie]

CHQ Problems?

What are the spcific problems that CHQ is having setting up the MCO base? I keep hearing that from the ACA guys. Also, I didn't realize that the ACA pilots sat with CHQ management and Delta management when they negoitiated the DCI contract. How do you know that CHQ underbid everyone else. Could it be that CHQ provides a QUALITY product with reliable jets compared to the competition.

 

[hellas]

CHQ is NOT having problem setting up the base and the fact is that we did get the DC contract based on bid, history of service and availability (options) of RJ's, as a matter of fact CHQ can boast the highest score ever given to any Delta carrier for safety and backround check during the Delta audit of CHQ. That statement is as as per Delta Airlines..The schedules are set to start out of CMH and MCO. And we have 22(5 145's and 17 135's) firm orders coming to DC with an option of 30 more. CHQ has 52 jets operating and the last of 5 SAAB's are gone completely in 6 days. If all goes well and Delta chooses to exercise the options by next year that will make 104 RJ's within the next 24 months. And we are in contract negotiations, with an upgrade time of 24 months...Would you like an address to send a resume'

 

[C-5 MEM]

No, thank you.


I will wait until the movie comes out.

 

[AFELLOWAVIATOR]

You people should hear what the Delta station people in LGA, IND, and every other place ACA has been say about it. The LGA people are extremely glad to be getting rid of them. They cannot wait. The station mgr. told me Comairs on time and reliability at LGA is always wayyyy above ACA's, and they look forward to things getting back on track in November when they leave.

 

[Jeepman]

You people should hear what the Delta station people in LGA, IND, and every other place ACA has been say about it. The LGA people are extremely glad to be getting rid of them. They cannot wait. The station mgr. told me Comairs on time and reliability at LGA is always wayyyy above ACA's, and they look forward to things getting back on track in November when they leave.

You call yourself A fellow Aviator? I call you a fellow Jerk.
You sound really stuck up too. What do you have against ACA???
I work at SkyWest and have friends that work for ACA as well as Comair. I think both are good companies. Why don't you write about something else.

Or are you too unhappy with your life?

 

[sideshow]

Since ACA is the only airline I've ever worked for I can't really comment on any other carrier except to say that out of the 3 United Express carriers we are last in on time perfermance. I'm not sure about Delta but management has said Delta is happy with us and the Dornier 328 jet but not with it's dispatch reliability. So I'm sure our on-time performance is last over there as well. The reasons are many, some of which have to do with crews and most of which do not. I believe that ACA is the only regional/express/commuter using ACARs and that is going to make a difference with those oooi times. One minute late is no longer on time. I know we are the only United Express partner that uses ACARs.

However, there are many other problems with getting the flights out on time which the company up until now has not done too much about. That has changed in the last few months due to management being informed that the selection of partners to get future work would depend on performance. They have really been focusing on that and have made several changes to the entire boarding process. We will just have to wait and see what the numbers tell us but my feeling is they will improve. How much, who knows.

And as far as ACA getting any additional flying for Delta or United I doubt anyone on this board has any clue. It's just a rumor and that's what most people like to debate on this board, rumors. I have heard about "re-alignment" (flush) from people in the union at ACA but that is just something they like to talk about at their union slumber parties. The facts are ACA is in a serious hiring mode for whatever reason. The people in the training and hiring departments are not really sure why if you look at the numbers. 151 airplanes @ 10 crewmembers = 1510 pilots + 200 instructors, people on leave etc. + 200 for good measure == around 1900 pilots give or take. We have plans to hire more than that. On the latest seniority list we had 1527 pilots through 7/8/02 and alot of people hired. I believe the ealier quote was correct about planes per block instead of pilots per plane. Adding one plane would not necessarily add 5 crews but we are also increasing the amount of flying we are doing.

 

[Yankee1]

AFELLOWAVIATOR-

Didn't you get fired by ACA!!?

 

[DarnNearaJet]

I just think he's a little upset that there are now 5 Delta Connxn carriers -- and one's moved into Comair's backyard.

I've heard from reliable sources that, although the Dornier has a lackluster dispatch reliablility, DL likes the fact that the little jet fills a niche, especially out of CVG.

I don't think AFELLOWAVIATOR will be gloating about ACA pilots on the street anytime soon.

 

[Russ]

Sideshow
As a point of order, SkyWest uses ACARS on the RJ side of the house for UA.

 

[neflyguy]

I'M SURE THEY ALSO HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT COMAIR WHEN THE STRIKE WAS ON!

 

[AFELLOWAVIATOR]

I am just quoting what I have been told at these stations. Face it guys, ACA's lackluster performance is a fact and thats that.

As far as gloating, I would never do that. I work for a superior airline and thats that.

As far as having any thing against the ACA pilots, well, most all Comair pilots will never forget the ACA+I% CRAP we had to fight while we were on strike.

You people folded after just 10 months of negotiations while we were fighting for our lives to get a great contract for 3 plus years. ACA pilots did nothing to raise the bar, and as far as I am concerned, are a bunch of sell outs.

And this SKYWEST pilot is upset at me for being mean to his ACA buds. Well, Skywest is even worst than ACA. They refuse to unionize, so pilots like us have to do all the hard work, like strike, so skywest pilots can benifit.

 

[C-5 MEM]

I just was looking at Afellowaviator time frame. For someone who has those hours flying and so much knowledge about everything why are you not flying for the majors? You seem bitter about everyone, not blowing your own horn. It seems to me that when your company was negotiations that your pilot group wanted to continue against unions support of your first contract.
I agree with others in here that your upset with everyone and need to take a good look in the mirror. You really believe Comair has started the new standards with regional growth. If you do your in bad shape.

 

[Jeepman]

Skywest is even worst than ACA. They refuse to unionize, so pilots like us have to do all the hard work, like strike, so skywest pilots can benifit.

We haven't "unionized" because we work for an awesome airline and we are happy where we work. Are you??

Besides, you guys still make more money than us (slightly) so how do you call that a benefit?

 

[Av8tor]

ACA+I% CRAP we had to fight while we were on strike.

You people folded after just 10 months of negotiations while we were fighting for our lives to get a great contract for 3 plus years. ACA pilots did nothing to raise the bar, and as far as I am concerned, are a bunch of sell outs.

And this SKYWEST pilot is upset at me for being mean to his ACA buds. Well, Skywest is even worst than ACA. They refuse to unionize, so pilots like us have to do all the hard work, like strike, so skywest pilots can benifit. [/B]

[AFELLOWAVIATOR [/i]
You people folded after just 10 months of negotiations while we were fighting for our lives to get a great contract for 3 plus years. ACA pilots did nothing to raise the bar, and as far as I am concerned, are a bunch of sell outs.


Great contract.....It took you guys "3+ years fighting for your lives", and going on strike just to get where everyone else was in the regional Industry. Yeah nice job! problem is your head is too big. As far as Skywest being non union....I think that's great they can trust the company not to screw them, plus they don't pay union dues. Iv'e never heard anything bad about the people at skywest! unlike comair

 

[AFELLOWAVIATOR]

Well, now I am unhappy and cannot get a job at a major because I have opinions based on fact. If that is all you can give in reply then I quess you all agree.

I actually am very proud of my airline, and despite having to fight ACA +1% CRAP, we fought a good fight and we all hold our heads up high.

Airlines like skywest are what we refer to as "leaches" in the industry.
They reap the rewards for our sacrifices.

You may think I sound bitter, and maybe I come across like that, but I am not. I just have opinions and spout them out on this forum.
Actually, I would never make an ACA or Skywest pilot feel uncomfortable or unwelcome on my jumpseat, that thing is sacride, and personnel feelings should never come into that area.

 

[FlyingDawg]

Straight from the Delta the latest results of Connection carriers for the week ending Sept 19:

Departures (within :05): Skywest 86.8%; AAEagle 86.0%; ACA 78.4%; Comair 72.7%; ASA 61.0%; Goal 74.8%.

Arrivals (within :15): Skywest 92.5%; AAEagle 88.5%; ACA 83.4%; Comair 79.8%; ASA 69.7%; Goal 82.9%.

Completion Rate: AAEagle 98.9%; Comair 98.7%; Skywest 98.5%; ASA 97.1%; ACA 95.4%; Goal 96.9%.

I wish you guys would back up your arguements with some facts instead of me having to go find it myself. It makes for much better reading.

An8tor:

What problems is Chautauqua having getting the MCO base started? State some facts. RP (Chautauqua code) is scheduled to start flying Dec 1, with 3 roundtrips each to MCO and TPA from CMH. From what I understand they already have a maint hanger in CMH and they have secured a maint. facility in MCO thats already adequate for the expected 22 confirmed aircraft.

Hellas:

You are quite correct that in the audit of Chautauqua it scored the highest in safety of any Delta Connection, including the wholly-owned carriers. They have a very impressive operation, we just hope they can produce the same results here that they have at other carriers. RP can expect to see some of the 30 options confirmed aprox. 6 months after the start if they produce favorable results and the economy doesn't completely tank. They should be commended on the improved on time/completion results in STL over the previous carrier. Especially of late; the last numbers I saw were above 99% completion and 93%+ arrival in STL; thats impressive.

Afellowaviator:

You might want to spread the word up in CVG, Delta will take the company that provides a quality product at the cheapest rate. In fact Chautauqua was 2% lower than ACA. In addition the 37 seat Embraer has lower operating cost than the 40 seat Canadair. The 40 and 50 seat CRJ have the same operational cost structure with the exception of the manufacturer leasing arrangements. Chautauqua is an Embraer operator, which was an additional cost advantage because none of the other Delta Connection carriers are certified for this equipment. By buying ASMs from Chautauqua it enhanses Delta's ability to place service capacity in a low-yield market at a lower cost and without a large capital investment.

I'm not sure you Connection guys have access to the Delta Net, all of this is available in it.

 

[Cappy]

I am just tired of the union guys saying that the company has looked at the flush as an opion, and have run all the number to see where everyone would stand. At the same time we are hiring as fast as we can.

And what "UNION GUY" said that there will be a bump and flush at this point at ACA? You know as well as I do that this has not been spoken of since by the company nor you union reps since early this year.

After 9-11 the company DID propose AS AN OPTION ONLY the possibility of furloughs as UAL management forcast a "large flying reduction with possible scope limitations". Our MEC only spoke about the possibility of a flush as to prepare the pilots for the worst. Well, here we are one year later and the worst has not happened.

As for the continued hiring...ACA will take delivery, on average, of one new CRJ every ten days beginning in March 2003. Combined with the retirement of the J41's it will entail the hiring of no more than 150 new pilots.

This is where ACA is now on fleet and hiring projections.

Any Questions?

_______________________________________________


"It takes a big man to cry, it takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man"

 

[Cappy]

Right On!

Well, now I am unhappy and cannot get a job at a major because I have opinions based on fact. If that is all you can give in reply then I quess you all agree.

I actually am very proud of my airline, and despite having to fight ACA +1% CRAP, we fought a good fight and we all hold our heads up high.

Airlines like skywest are what we refer to as "leaches" in the industry.
They reap the rewards for our sacrifices.

You may think I sound bitter, and maybe I come across like that, but I am not. I just have opinions and spout them out on this forum.
Actually, I would never make an ACA or Skywest pilot feel uncomfortable or unwelcome on my jumpseat, that thing is sacride, and personnel feelings should never come into that area.

Sir, you are correct about the sacrifices of the union pilots and their "leaching" cohorts at other companies getting a smidgen of the rewards. It's OK though. How long will it be until Skywest has a change of even one senior manager or board member? He might well decide that Jonathan Ornstein is their hero, just like wall street loved Frank Lorenzo! Then we will see where they stand.

Blue Skies Comair Dude!


________________________________________________

"It takes a big man to cry. It takes a bigger man to laugh at that man".

 

[sideshow]

You must be kidding

"Airlines like skywest are what we refer to as "leaches" in the industry.
They reap the rewards for our sacrifices."


Exactly who is we? I am an ALPA member and I don't remember getting any union communication to tell US what to think about Skywest. As far as I and alot of people are concerned more power to Skywest and their management and pilot group if they choose not to unionize. I know it may be hard for you to wrap your brain around but there are actually alot of people that are not in a union. That's awfully kind of you to still allow those leaches to ride in your jumpseat. I'm not sure the what the pecking order is, leaches or ACA+1% people.