Alaska hiring forecast?

[SeaSlam]

Has anyone heard how many pilots Alaska will hire this year? I know there are quite a few interviews taking place but haven't heard about the total #'s. Any info?

 

[Singlecoil]

The official word is that they are done hiring for 2003 and are developing a pool of 50 pilots for any future hiring. Unofficially, I would expect more than 50 to get class dates in 2003, and about 100 each in 2004 and 2005. That is based on growth and retirements. Last year they said they wouldn't hire any and ended up putting 98 through class from May 02 to April 03.

 

[SeaSlam]

Thanks for the info. I just got hired last week and now I'm trying to figure out how long the wait for a class might be. I'm guessing summer or fall but we'll see.

 

[Singlecoil]

Congrats! I would be shocked if your year of hire isn't 2003. By the way, December hires have the same boarding priority for non-rev travel as January hires! It only goes by year, then first come, first served.

 

[mach none]

The plan is to grow the airline 6-8% this year and possible next. We are getting a net gain of 7 737NGs this year and 6 next year.

We have to hire. I think the confusion lies in managements verbage. The classes that are taking place through April are for the Januarary vacancy bid. Training is just catching up.

The training department needs the official OK from above to fund classes after April. I believe that will take place at the Board of Directors meeting on the 14th of Feb. That info is from my buddy that I helped get hired and that is what Heidi told him when she called him with the good news. He is currently in the pool.

My guess is those in the pool will not be swimming long.

 

[FL510GV]

"Pool Wear"

Interviewed/Hired Dec '02, just told that I should expect Fall "sometime". I am guessing that I am the first group in line for the next class, since when I was hired I was told May or June, but no date.

What's the current rage in "Pool Wear". I hope it's not an exposure suit w/ Mae West.

The good news is that the classes through Apr are going as scheduled and they are continuing to interview/hire. They are also expanding by 8% (forecast) and the retirements are coming...

I feel very fortunate/blessed.

Good Luck to all.