air wisconsin flying NW rj's???

[shotgunwillie]

while jumpseating the other day a northwest pilot said that they were interested in getting air wisconsin to fly their rjs? doesn't make sense to me, but was wondering if anyone else had heard the rumor?

 

[Saabslime]

Either that NWA pilot was trying to start a rumor or you're trying to stir the pot. Go with you're instinct on this one...........it does'nt make sense. Express is taking the first of the 44 seaters northwest ordered next month. Mesaba is taking over the saab flying out of MEM to make way for express to become all jet. All this is happening at the same time NWA is looking for a buyer for express. By making them all jet, they'll be able to get a better price.

 

[ksu_aviator]

Just as a follow up, I've heard in the rumor mill that Express One has a scope clause problem with taking all of the ordered jets, so NWA may have to give some of the CRJ's to Mesaba or some one else. I doubt NWA goes outside its network.

 

[Low Timer]

It is true Express has a scope problem with the 50 seater since the 11th. Probably around January, they will replace the remaining 50 seaters on order with the 44 seater.

Right now, it doesn't matter who would fly the 50 seater, the max 50 seaters allowed under NWA scope is approaching until NWA puts more narrow bodies in the air.

 

[Saabslime]

Ah yes.........good ol NWA's **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**ed themselves again. When will those guys ever wake up and learn how to compete in this business. They always seem to be playin catchup with the rest of the field.

 

[dondk]

what the heck...

another one for the rumor mill...

It has been mentioned from both EXA and MESA that Mesa was looking to cash in on the extra 44 seaters EXA cannot take.. Air Willy is a new one though....

 

[Saabslime]

Why does EXA have a problem with taking more 44 seaters? There is no scope issue there since they're not tied in with NWA's narrow body fleet. Giving them to MESA would be crazy. Where are they going to feed to that would benefit NWA?

 

[XJAVRO]

EXA will get the first 44 seaters. the ones they are getting now are part of the first 50 they were already going to get, but they will get the first of the 44 seaters after those. Mesaba is taking over EXA's MEM saab flying. NWA is doing this to make them all jet so they can get a good price when EXA is sold.

Mesaba will be in line to get some of those CRJs, but not until we have a 44 seat payscale, and we do not have one right now. If the jets do go to mesa or Air wiskey it will be because we ask for too high of a pay scale. I would rather get a good contract then sell out for some RJ's

Just my .02 cents


DTW Avro dude

 

[Beechnut]

No way we're doing the NWA flying for two reasons.

Our own Mission statement says we're placed here on God's Green Earth to serve Yo-nited and there's no way we can work for as cheap as the Express pilots fly their jets for. (Mrs. Brommer, my fourth grade English teacher, would kill me for that sentence. Sorry Mrs. Brommer.)

S.

 

[dondk]

To answer some of the EXA questions...

We are tied to the scope clause with NWA, with that we have taken possession of our LAST 50 seater. Starting next month we are "due" to take possession of at least 2 44 seaters per month. Obviously there are other issues at work which are heating up a already frustrated pilot group.

The reason is NWA has parked some 727's which have decreased our alottment. The original clause only allowed us 30 50 seaters anyway so it is not a real surprise.


Equally, as each new 44 seater shows up we will be handing over or retiring (not sure which one) a Saab to either Mesaba or the lease holder.

I do not know where the Air Wisky rumor started nor the Mesa rumor, but mgmt has not either told us how many to expect out of the 75 ordered. The only rumor about our staffing seems to be somewhere around 40-45 of the 75 ordered, but in this industry that may have already changed!

 

[Saabslime]

If Express is only allowed to fly thirty 50 seaters, why did NWA order 46 of them? Or am I missing something here?

 

[dondk]

I just got back from 3 days at MEM... THe story is...NWA orginally ordered 50 for EXA, but due to NWA cutting back the narrow body fleet the scope clause caps us at 30. The balance will be converted to 44 seaters commencing sometime in Jan at a rate of 2 a month. No news of any reasonable assurance on the 75 44 seaters ordered by NWA. The only thing I heard management and union say was 2 per month for next year. Have no clue if this is part of the 75 or the balance of the 50.

As usual the pilots will be the last to know

 

[Saabslime]

One final question to anybody who can answer. Does EXA have a separate pay scale for the 44 seater or is it the same as the 50? Mesaba is in negotiations for our next contract and we have yet to settle on a 44 seat pay rate. This is probably the single biggest reason NWA hasn' made it known who will be flying the new order.

 

[dondk]

2 themes on this...

1... NWA has asked EXA to come up with a seperate 44 seater pay scale, it would affect Captains much more than FO's. The pilot group to my knowledge is completely against it

2... NWA has asked EXA for a 2 year extension to our contract, again to my knowledge "most" of the pilot group is against it


last comment, this is mixed as I have heard it from union, CP, and other various mgmt and base mgrs... No "compromise" may equal NO additional 44 seat jets.


One of the reasons the pilot group is against the pay scale, is based on NWA plans within 18 months we would have 1/2 the fleet at 44 seaters, hence we would be taking a pay cut within the time frame. I think I heard something like $48 for Captains as the base, I do not know the top end.

What are they projecting for XJ in fleet size and base pay?

 

[Saabslime]

No definitive word on a pay scale or fleet size. $48 an hour!! Thats absolutely ridiculous. Thats about what I get paid to fly the sabb. I sure hope EXA MEC does'nt bow to NWA pressure here. If they do, they'll be doing everyone in the industry a great disservice.

 

[Jiminmem]

It will probably wind up goiing before an arbritrator to determine. At least that is where it looks like its headed.

 

[dondk]

I think most if not all EXA guys will agree... I do not know why they are asking for a different pay scale for 6 less seats? Let's get real, the ARJ is some 25 less seats and "maybe" there is argument for a different pay scale but for 6? The word is mgmt claim is for 6 less seats the aircraft will not be profitable at 50 seat rates.

I don't think anyone knows what the MEC is thinking, but I do know that that some union rep's are "suggesting" seeking other employment with other CL-65 operators....

 

[bladeusa]

any derivative of the CL-65... In any seating combination must be flown at 50 seat rates.. Anything less is ludicrous!!! its the company's choice to take them out in order to buy a cheaper aircraft -ITS THE SAME **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** PLANE. We fought this battle and won at Comair. don't cheapen the industry, instead pick up the ball and run with it. Anything less than a gain over us is actually a loss.

 

[dondk]

I hear you on the 50 seat rate.... But you have to understand we have a "few" who would rather take the decrease to get the jets...

A while ago some took a lesser contract to get jets on the property, so let just say the pilots have already set a preceedence on negioating, so you cannot blame the company for trying.

Mgmt is holding the jets sort of hostage for some type of concessions, whether it be a 2 year extension of the contract, a 44 seat rate, or whatever they are going to try next.

I cannot even tell how many are for a decrease, but I can say there are plenty for new jets and enough against anymore jets.

 

[ksu_aviator]

I hear XJ wants to sign a new pilot contract quick so they can bid for CRJ's from NW. Maybe good news for XJ Pilots.