Any new Fedex rumor?

[GoABX]

Boeing has been marketing the 737 retread cargo version for over 2 years and have not gotten much traction in the marketplace. The have recenty talked to Airborne about the same thing. The 757 can carry a shade less than the DC-8 so it is not a comparable replacement for the 727 or DC-9.

Bigger isn't always better. The integrators (UPS, FDX, ABF/DHL) can't always use the extra capacity, especially for stops closer to the hubs. Unfortunately it is not a matter of just adding more stops to fill up the plane. To make the sort and morning delivers you can only do about 3 legs in or out (max).

Though the cargo doors and tubes are a plus, the planes still have their old motors. So in my mind it is hard to justify buying a fleet of new-old planes if the buyer doesn't get the advantage of newer technology fuel efficiency. Maybe BA will discount them enough to start peddling them.

 

[AlbieF15]

Don't know hiring/training ramifications, but the south route (Brazil, Chile, Argentina) has been rumored to be on chopping block as unprofitable. Our next Int'l bid did not mention the old VCP layover. Maybe it moved to another jet, but I think its just GONE. Less destinations and service may not bode well for more lines, more hiring, etc. Our South America routes are a very small piece of the international picture, but again...the emphasis right now seems to be on cost control vice expansion.

Good luck poolies....hang tough. Hopin' things break loose soon.

 

[Spur]

Yeah, the last SIG letter stated the south cone flying ends with the SEP bid month... I think 727 siba will be going VERY junior.

 

[Redtails]

After seeing that FEDEX truck driving down that river in W.VA, I hear they'll be looking for some boat drivers.

 

[h.simpson]

An MD-11 Capt bud of mine told me a rumor that the post office still wants to give FedEx more business, but wants the labor situation cleaned-up, i.e. get the contract moving. He thought there might be a couple year extension type thing pitched from the company to shore up some new postal flying.

Wonering if anyone else heard this...

h.

 

[Spur]

Yes, I've heard that rumor as well... 2 year extension for XX% pay raise.

 

[dixieflyer]

The version I heard was a 19% pay raise for a two year contract extention, but we would have accept the preferential bidding sysetem. That was a deal breaker and the union turned the offer down. Maybe some one who reads this list is on the Pilot to Pilot Committee and can shed some more light on the subject.

"The South's Gonna Do it Agian"

 

[MD80JAD]

Talked to the ladies the other day and asked them if the voluntary retirements would involve any of them. KD said that they have felt no pressure to retire and that the big wigs have not asked them to move departments until hiring starts up again. They looked at this as a good thing that something still may happen this year. A very optimistic thought was sometime later in the fall. Thats all I know for now. SEEYA

 

[FDXBoxTrower]

Overheard a DC-10 captain today saying that pilots are receiving e-mails to recommend buddies. I don't know what to make out of it?!

 

[waitinginline]

Hmmm

Thats weird!! Considering they have 8,000 applicants on file.. Do they need 8,150??? Hope your right though...

 

[dixieflyer]

Speaking only for myself, I have not received any such email. Nor do I know of anyone who has. And I have never heard of the company doing such a thing. I think its safe to say there is NO truth to this rumor.

 

[PurpleTail]

The only way...

...there is any truth to that rumor is that management is asking for recommendations for guys that are ALREADY in the system.

I am on the Boeing and there is absolutely no OPEN TIME to be had these days so you better bid what you want to fly. I am not on reserve and wouldn't know how much those guys are flying but I don't think it is a whole lot on the Boeing. It seems we are pretty well staffed for now.

Sorry for sounding so pesismistic, just being honest.

Best of luck, I want as many guys behind me as possible

 

[klhoard]

Reserve dude

I've racked up a total of 20 landings and 75 block hours on reserve for the year of 2003. During the months of January, April, and June, scheduling only called me one time each month for a reserve trip.

As posted earlier, the open time dries up about 36 hours after it is released each bid month as guys drop reserve days and pick up the open time trips to "build a line". Good news for guys like me that live in Memphis and are on reserve; bad news for the poolies and continued hiring picture.

The shortages seem to be in the MD-11 seats and (from what I have gathered) the short pole in the tent is the ability to get guys trained in the airplane.

I will be more than happy to move up to the widebody and make a slot for you poolies, but it seems that training is peddling as fast as they can.

Good luck!!