Having read all the scuttlebutt I have decided to insert my two cents. For all of you looking for employment consider the following about AWAC. The 6 owners (three unknown) have decided to take a stand against UAL and move to other waters for their benefit not for the airline’s or for its employees. They are owners and wish to make as much money as possible and you can’t fault them for that. But, they have misrepresented the facts for the TA which gained them enough cash in a short time to invest in a bankrupt airline ($125,000,000) and then double it. They are closing down DEN, ORD and ATW. Denver was once the largest base. The company requires moves clear across country with the least amount of notice and show little regard for your needs. But the owners didn’t move. They have refused to bid on F9 flying when it was available, or any other flying in the west and have displaced at least 1500 employees with out much of a believable apology or apparent fore thought to the years of service and loyalty given. Some of these employees were husband and wife couples and are now both are on the streets and some of them were 20+ years on the job.
The owners were given over $9 million for Sept. 11th and by all accounts, AWAC is still the most expensive regional airline by seat mile. The cost is not because of the employees wages.
If you question too much or make too much noise you will be harassed by a fleet manager or threatened by some management type (BF) with consequence resulting in a trip to ATW for the whipping. If you can nod your head yes, keep a low profile and make the occasional bleat, AWAC is for you. Moral is so low that it needs a step ladder to reach for the snake’s belly. The relationship between management and the union is almost militant.
Recent policies and decisions have chased away some of the greatest employees any airline would ever hope to have. The pilots that gave their sweat and hard work for all that followed are leaving in droves. Some being forced to retire early or just throw in the towel and change careers. As each senior pilot leaves, more of the heart and soul which separated this airline from all the rest is gone forever. AWAC is not a destination airline anymore.
The USAir thing looks to be a long-term deal and hopefully will be stable. But rest assured that if you become too expensive or make too much money the owners will back you into another TA with give back for promises that will go unfulfilled. It’s all about the money, their money. They expect your professional effort and you had best not expect a return on the favor in any manner. Good luck for any of you looking to get ahead, just don’t plan on staying long because AWAC is not anything near what it was yesterday, last year or even 5 years ago.
If you decide to stay, I wish you the best luck. If you are coming to AWAC, don’t base your decision on what once was. Clicking your heels will not return AWAC to what it one was and yes, commuting is a BI**H.
