ATA Future

[145drvr]

A question for you current ATA guys or those in the know. I have been trying to get on with ATA for awhile and want to work there but I question how the current state of the economy, Threat of War, Overall Airline economics affecting all airlines, and the fact ATA is losing money will affect them in 2003. I've read in the 01' annual report and other news releases that with current expansion and new aircraft/routes they are positioning themselves to turn the books positive. Do you guys at ATA think this will happen before concession or furloughs are required?

 

[TriStar_drvr]

I've read in the 01' annual report and other news releases that with current expansion and new aircraft/routes they are positioning themselves to turn the books positive. Do you guys at ATA think this will happen before concession or furloughs are required?

I sure hope so.


Actually, I don't think furloughs will be required anytime soon. ATA has been very conservative when it comes to hiring pilots. As for concessions, the company has asked for scheduling relief (it wants to build lines in excess of 85 hours) to cover the shortage of 737 and 757 pilots. Our company president and principle share holder has stated that he thinks the pilot compensation is "appropriate," so I don't think there will be requests for pay cuts soon either.

Management has told us that we're heading toward profitability. I can only hope that they know what they're doing.

As for what happens if we go to war with Iraq, all bets are off. Although I'm sure the TriStars and many of the 757s would be pressed into military service, I'm not sure the military income could offset the loss of scheduled passenger traffic and a spike in fuel prices.

Mostly I just stick my head in the sand and hope that the paychecks keep coming. Not a good plan, but it's the only one I have.