AirTran recalls some furloughees

[PCL_128]

Very good news!



December 3, 2008

To: AirTran Pilots
From: Jim Tabor – VP Operations
Subject: Cancellation of Reduction Notice RN 08-12

The Reduction Award RN 08-12 is hereby cancelled.
The Company will be recalling some pilots from furlough to satisfy Vacancy Notice (VN 08-12)
which remains in effect. The reason for this change in staffing is the revised fleet and utilization
plan for 2009. The original plan called for 136 aircraft shrinking to 132 by year’s end with a
lowered utilization rate throughout the year due to the then projected cost of fuel above $105 per
barrel. Current projections are still for a reduced fleet of 132 aircraft, but with significant
increases in aircraft utilization, especially on the B717. The net result will be an increased need
for pilots on both aircraft types by summer 2009 and so the “rebalancing” of pilots from B737 to
B717 is no longer a beneficial move.

Recall notices are being distributed and the vacancies will be filled by recalled pilots.

Jim Tabor

 

[BigEasy]

Good news always!

Bigeasy:beer:

 

[maxblast72]

35 Recalls and 20 717 Captains that will not have to back to the right seat Jan 1. Also, no transition training for 20 737 Captains and 35 737 First Officers. 717 First Officer understaffing problems should get better as the 35 recalls start flying again.

Hopefully just the beginning of the good news for Airtran for 2009. I guess Fornaro is feeling comfortable about cranking back up the utilization rates of our aircraft. I doubt he would do that unless he felt pretty comfortable about profitability for 2009.

 

[islandhoper]

DUDE!!!!!!

I was just getting my leave of absence letter ready!!!!! Can't believe this.

I guess I won't be seeing that right seat this time around....

(Thnx big guy...)

 

[scarlet]

wonder how many recall letters they send out?? Some people have moved on, or under training contracts at other places??

 

[Deadmus]

I for one am extremely greatful. Being unable to find a flying job. I hope we start back soon!!

 

[Linedriver]

Congrats!!

Very good news!

 

[KNOTS]

Cool__

 

[JA'd]

Congrats

I hope they keep coming back for you guys.
JA'D

 

[717capt]

35 Recalls and 20 717 Captains that will not have to back to the right seat Jan 1. Also, no transition training for 20 737 Captains and 35 737 First Officers. 717 First Officer understaffing problems should get better as the 35 recalls start flying again.

quote]

You guys are forgetting something aren't you. Read section 6 of our contract very carefully.

 

[Ticker]

You guys are forgetting something aren't you. Read section 6 of our contract very carefully.

Huh? I'm on the road for my new job and don't have my contract handy. Do tell???

 

[CitationLover]

Good news for you guys.

 

[scarlet]

What is in Section 6 about recalls?

They need 35 right now just to fix todays problems...they call people I know everyday to pick up trips "for Christmas money"...the one voicemail said..

 

[T3700]

How do we know the number of recalls is 35? The letter from Tabor states that the reduction of 35 positions on the 737 has been cancelled. I'm thinking that the number of recalled pilots could be more or less than 35. Hopefully more!

 

[Lear70]

How do we know the number of recalls is 35? The letter from Tabor states that the reduction of 35 positions on the 737 has been cancelled. I'm thinking that the number of recalled pilots could be more or less than 35. Hopefully more!

Scarlet probably knows because Scarlet is still buddy-buddy with the training department people.

Still looking for that eventual training department / check airman / PAB / management position someday, Scarlet?

 

[maxblast72]

How do we know the number of recalls is 35? The letter from Tabor states that the reduction of 35 positions on the 737 has been cancelled. I'm thinking that the number of recalled pilots could be more or less than 35. Hopefully more!

Actually, it is pretty simple. We had a vacancy bid for 35 positions in the December bid pack. Originally, the 35 vacancies were going to be filled using the 35 displaced 737 pilots (after a bump through the 717 CA position). Now that the reduction notice has been cancelled and everyone on the property is staying in their current seat, we need 35 recalls to fill the vacancy notice in the December bid pack.

 

[75M]

The Company will be recalling some pilots from furlough to satisfy Vacancy Notice (VN 08-12)
which remains in effect.

It might not be an exact 1 for 1 correlation, but VN 08-12 should get you in the right ballpark.

Add to that the fact that some guys and gals are on MLOA and others are leary about coming back to be at the bottom of the list, and its conceivable that more than 35 will get the opportunity.

Lets hope so...

 

[Cardinal]

Glad to hear it guys.

 

[Lear70]

It'll be interesting to see what happens. Quite a few of the people who were furloughed signed training contracts at other carriers.

The language is kind of vague, but implies that if there is a recall within 6 months, you don't have the option to bypass, even if junior people are on furlough...

Would be a double whammy if the company chose to interpret it that way. Furloughed for the holidays then a $10,000 - $20,000 training contract to break to come back here.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I am sure the union will be johnny on the spot and have all our questions answered in no time.