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AirTran or Spirit

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Go to Airtran. Cause I want to go to Spirit. Did you you know someone over there or are they starting to call people without recs?
 
no recs for airtran and one newhire for spirit. got a call from AT and an email from spirit that you had to reply to.
good luck!
 
I just met the minimums for both of them and sent my updated resume last week.
I would still want to work for Spirit more than Airtran but its really personal. I live in miami, and I think the upgrade at Spirit might be faster if you get there now. (not sure at all. I just think this way because if you get at Spirit now, by 2013 the fleet sould have doubled and therefore if I am not wrong you should have half of the pilot group under you, seniority wise.)

On the other hand, Spirit is now a ultra low cost carrier and I wonder what s going to happen to the pilot pay.
 
savi,

Where have you been sending your resumes to for Spirit? I've been regularly updating my Airline Apps, but haven't heard a word from them... Also don't know anyone over there...
 
AirTran is bigger in terms of revenue and number of destinations. I think AirTran has more aircraft (including orders) but Spirit has ordered many aircraft recently as well - so you will see growth at both leading to shorter upgrade times. Seems like Spirit is betting on Latin American and Caribbean growth out of South Florida while AirTran is looking to avoid JetBlue and SWA domestically.

So, both would be good options IMO. I guess it comes down to the following question: would you rather fly Boeing or Airbus?
 
Bad-Andy said:
savi,

Where have you been sending your resumes to for Spirit? I've been regularly updating my Airline Apps, but haven't heard a word from them... Also don't know anyone over there...
Click to expand...

I just met the minimums a couple of weeks ago.I have been updating every 15 days on airlineapps and I gave my resume last week to a friend of mine who works there. seems like it is a big plus to know someone.

"Seems like Spirit is betting on Latin American and Caribbean growth out of South Florida while AirTran is looking to avoid JetBlue and SWA domestically."

This is why I am more interested in Spirit. It looks like there is less competition on the international routes than there is domesticly.
Also, South Florida is home for a LOT of Latin Americans and Carribean people. I think thats pretty smart from Spirit to expand this way.


Airbus or Boeing, it doesnt matter to me. I was an Avionics tech on the A340 and the MD 82/3 (I know, its the 717's older sister:rolleyes: ) The 717 seems like a really capable airplane. one of the only ones to have auto land capabilty on one engine (somebody correct me if Im wrong)
But it must be cool to fly with a sidestick and all the cool technology.
For those in class or just interested , there is a really good add on to FS2004 for 40 bucks:
http://www.wilcopub.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=prod_airbus1
this thing looks like its really close to the real thing


Good luck to all
 
I'm guessing that........

he is referring to Johnny (Jack Hoff) Orenstein..... From Indigo... He is there.... But apparently he has no real say, so far..... Again, so far....
 
DrProc said:
Do some research and find out who bought a majority share in Spirit six months ago or so...
Click to expand...

"...since Indigo Partners became Spirit's major shareholder in July (2006), along with William Franke taking over as chairman..." -Aviation Week, 01/24/07

I have been unable to find a "missing link" between JO and Indigo or Oaktree Capital (majority/minority owners of Spirit). That said, these hedge funds have so many complicating layers that it's hard to figure out who owns/controls who.

Now, Bill Franke doesn't have the greatest reputation with pilot groups (ask any America West pilot), but I don't see him as dangerous or outright unscrupulous as JO. Time will tell on this one...

Our negotiating committee is hard at work right now trying to get us a fair and reasonable contract to work under. From a "worker bee's" perspective, our current contract is not at all bad, albeit under par on compensation (especially for FOs). Descent duty/trip rigs, min days off (12 and 13), and minimum 4 days off in a row (great if you commute like me). Also, open time pickup is at 150%, JA is at 200%...great extra money if you're needing it.

The current contract was a concessionary contract like everyone else's from this timeframe. Remember, Spirit then was much different than Spirit now...no real identity/business model, old aircraft, different management that had minimal experience with making an airline profitable. The current contract was meant to keep jobs, not "bathe in the wealth". We are early in the game of negotiations, and the typical back-and-forth is occuring...it's too early yet to claim that the sky is falling.

Of course, you could always go to AirTran, where their management learned everything they know from Satan himself, Frank Lorenzo...

My point is this: neither pilot group is going to be handed a cushy contract from either management; more than likely, neither airline will shut down due to labor concerns...have faith in your negotiating teams and let time do what time does.

Now, I hope that scared you enough to say screw it and go get that law degree Mama always wanted you to have...

gator
 
gatorbird said:
Of course, you could always go to AirTran, where their management learned everything they know from Satan himself, Frank Lorenzo...
Click to expand...
HEY! How DARE you bash our,,, umm,,, nevermind. ;)

My point is this: neither pilot group is going to be handed a cushy contract from either management; more than likely, neither airline will shut down due to labor concerns...have faith in your negotiating teams and let time do what time does.
Click to expand...
Ayuh, that's about it.

Now, I hope that scared you enough to say screw it and go get that law degree Mama always wanted you to have...

gator
Click to expand...

SHOULD have done the trick,,, but probably won't. :D

Both airlines are probably going to have very similar career tracks to CA, including pay and benefits (although the 150% trip pickup is a NICE way to supplement your income if you can bid a low-time line and don't mind working extra).

Pick which one has the better mix of flying and domiciles for you, then don't look back!
 
I was in a similar position a few years ago. I was offered Airtran and then class was postponed due to delivery dates with the 737. Spirit then called. I was in DTW and was dreading the thought of commuting or living in ATL. I could have been a Captain in 3 years at Airtran but I am still 1 to 2 years away from Captain at Spirit. Both are still growing but I really think your upgrade could be quicker at Spirit today. That said I would factor in commuting, living in domicile, etc. That's huge.

It's rumored that a bunch of Spirit pilots are in the pipeline for Virgin American. We also have furloughed pilots from all majors that are coming up on decision time as well as a few (like myself) who are moving to different pastures. This could really create some movement in the ranks. Good luck on your decision.

Also, Spirit is going to announce some very interesting new cities shortly to both Central and South America and not all the flying is going to be done from FLL.
 
Last edited:
RE:Spirit

Hi,
I just applied to spirit as a Flight Attendant. A couple of months ago they invited me to an open house in
FLL I couldnt attend, but now this is opened again, but out of Atlantic City, NJ as a sallelite base? I am going to that interview now no matter what happens!!! any other info on Spirit?
 
C77MD80 said:
I was in a similar position a few years ago. I was offered Airtran and then class was postponed due to delivery dates with the 737. Spirit then called. I was in DTW and was dreading the thought of commuting or living in ATL. I could have been a Captain in 3 years at Airtran but I am still 1 to 2 years away from Captain at Spirit. Both are still growing but I really think your upgrade could be quicker at Spirit today. That said I would factor in commuting, living in domicile, etc. That's huge.

It's rumored that a bunch of Spirit pilots are in the pipeline for Virgin American. We also have furloughed pilots from all majors that are coming up on decision time as well as a few (like myself) who are moving to different pastures. This could really create some movement in the ranks. Good luck on your decision.

Also, Spirit is going to announce some very interesting new cities shortly to both Central and South America and not all the flying is going to be done from FLL.
Click to expand...

I hope by different pastures you mean another air carrier... Or maybe you agreed with your mother and you are going to law school...........
 
Heavy Set said:
I hope by different pastures you mean another air carrier... Or maybe you agreed with your mother and you are going to law school...........
Click to expand...

Well... I was gonna say "greener" pastures but it's really "Browner". My wicked step-mother didn't want to give up her free travel.... I'll put her in a brown box and send her to Inchon!!:0
 

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