Airtran classes.

[meanstreak]

Does anyone know the next confirmed date of the new hire class. I know there was a class of 6 in March. I hear that there is going to be a pretty big class sometime this month. Just curious. Also those new hires that get the 737 will be at the top of the senority for that airplane. Congrats. I hear only 6 FO's are transering from the 717 to the 737.

 

[flx757]

I think many 717 pilots are playing the waiting game on the 737, and not bidding over in the beginning. They are wating to see what the schedules look like, and until more aircraft are on the property so that there is more variety and see how the dust settles. Just like is the case when any new aircraft first appears on the property of any airline.

So, just because there are very few 717 pilots bidding over on the inititial bid, does not necessarily mean that will always be the case. I think a significant number will bid over once there are a suitable number of aircraft on the property, and the schedules are more of a known factor. There are simply too many unknowns regarding the 737 right now, so no one is bidding it. This wll change with time, so it could very well be that new hires into the 737 could be junior for some time to come. You never know what will happen until it happens....

 

[Flying Tiger]

Previous post on this board suggest a class starting on May 27 and then another starting on June 14. Any of the AirTran folks know how many per class and possibly the break down(737/717)?

Thanks

 

[fmr727drvr]

Flying Tiger, I know of an Apr 29th class with 8 737 and around 11 717.

FLx757, What about seatlocks, wouldn't 717 pilots who bid over be seat locked for 2 years, thus slowing down their upgrade?

 

[FL717]

Flying Tiger, I know of an Apr 29th class with 8 737 and around 11 717.

FLx757, What about seatlocks, wouldn't 717 pilots who bid over be seat locked for 2 years, thus slowing down their upgrade?

I have quit even trying to go on record with any firm class dates. They seem to change so often, and until you're actually sitting in class, I couldn't tell you otherwise.

As far as seatlocks... you are correct. I did a test bid award a little while ago after reading this thread, and it looks like there are a few very junior people who are going to try and switch over to the 737.

While it will ensure at least 2 years before they can be released for upgrade, some of these people are so junior that they most likely wouldn't be able to hold Captain during that time anyway.

I have to agree 100% with Flx757 that it will be some time for the dust to settle to see how this shakes out, and things can change each bid cycle as more aircraft arrive and schedules change.