AirTran vs Delta

[ASA]

Thinking of leaving AirTran for Delta after 1.5 years here. Got an interview coming up. My real goals are stability, long-term earnings, and pass benefits, in that order. Any suggestions? Could really use some brain-storming help here. Thanks.

 

[johnsonrod]

Potentially 125 787s on the way. I hear some newhires are getting 757/767 domestic slots in ATL off the bat. Something like 500-600 newhires expected this year alone. Will be expanding further into Africa, Asia and the Middle East on lucrative, largely non-competitive routes. AirTran has to compete with SWA, JetBlue, Spirit, Skybus, VA, etc. for the low-cost dollar.

Is that compelling enough for you? I'd do it.

 

[Yuppyguppy]

Leave my friend. I did

 

[Ty Webb]

The future for an Airtran FO looks pretty bleak to me right now, and the corporate culture is second-rate. If I weren't a line-holding CA, I would take a chance on Delta myself.

 

[FDJ2]

Thinking of leaving AirTran for Delta after 1.5 years here. Got an interview coming up. My real goals are stability,

There's no such thing in this industry, having said that, both AAI and DAL are doing well at this time.

Some things to consider:

DAL has been in BK, but is poised to do fairly well, AAI is profitable, but is much more likely to be involved in a merger in the near term.

AAI has been hiring for some time and has greater growth rate forecast, DAL is in the beginning of its hiring cycle.

long-term earnings,

DAL wins here based on historic pay rates and the ability to get on larger higher paying equipment.

and pass benefits


DAL has a mucher larger network. More places to go.

Both are good companies, good luck.

 

[Steeler Fan]

You'll get a much more clear picture about AirTran over the next 6 months. It'll feel like a roller coaster at times, though.

I'm still excited about the future here. It's just a little frustrating (to say the least during contract negotiations).

Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. And you won't know if you won the race until you retire.

 

[labatt]

What is the projected upgrade time for a new hire at Delta? Obviously many variables. Heard when age 65 passes, it could be 15 years or more. Any truth to that?

Good luck to the guys getting hired at the head of the hiring wave. For a regional pilot or newhire at a LCC should be a good call.

 

[Ty Webb]

Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. And you won't know if you won the race until you retire.

'
You'll either be kicking back own da ayland makin' wit da doobies, mon;


. . . . or living in a van . . . DOWN BY THE RIVER!


.:laugh:

 

[Ualexpress]

Leave my friend. I did

Yeah, and you left to go back to United. In my mind the wrong choice considering the He!!hole United is right now. Completely different situation than leaving and going to Delta. At least at Delta the management knows what the heck they are doing.

 

[Bert Harbenson]

What is the projected upgrade time for a new hire at Delta? Obviously many variables. Heard when age 65 passes, it could be 15 years or more. Any truth to that?

Hard to tell, as you said there are many vaiables. As of the latest award the most junior Capt. (MD-88) was just over 5000 out of approx. 6800 active pilots. I would think that if you wanted to upgrade on the first availible the time would be sooner rather than later...with that said age 65 would change things a bit, but I think 15 years might be a little long. Lots of new aircraft coming next year and there is still talks of a 100 seater fitting in the plans somewhere down the line.

 

[johnsonrod]

Hard to tell, as you said there are many vaiables. As of the latest award the most junior Capt. (MD-88) was just over 5000 out of approx. 6800 active pilots. I would think that if you wanted to upgrade on the first availible the time would be sooner rather than later...with that said age 65 would change things a bit, but I think 15 years might be a little long. Lots of new aircraft coming next year and there is still talks of a 100 seater fitting in the plans somewhere down the line.

Plus, a 100-seater like the E190 might be on the way - I am betting that a B-scale for that aircraft would open up some PIC slots real quick like the 737-200s back in the mid-to-latter 90s and early 2000s. DAL keeps talking about the need for 100 seaters - it might happen sooner than later.

 

[9rj9]

100 seater

100 seater will go to the regionals, genlee and his boys will sellout again, watch.

 

[johnsonrod]

100 seater will go to the regionals, genlee and his boys will sellout again, watch.

Let me guess, DAL turned you down again for an interview?

 

[Heavy Set]

100 seater will go to the regionals, genlee and his boys will sellout again, watch.

Good one. Yeah, they were in bankruptcy and gave away 6 more total seats, when the 50 seaters were actually sucking them dry. I think it was a good move and will boost revenue. They are also getting 10-15 more 777s besides the 787s, and I bet they will get more domestic narrowbodies too. 9rj9 is just jealous obviously.

​

 

[Kharma Police]

Stay wit us at da Tranny dawg!!!!!!!

 

[737 Pylt]

100 seater will go to the regionals, genlee and his boys will sellout again, watch.

Nice try....Either way, you'll be on the outside looking in lav rat!

737