Under John Tague, ATA expanded scheduled service while decreasing its charter operation. The scheduled service side has not been profitable. My guess on the shakeup is that George Mikelsons wants to increase the charter business. Currently our L1011s are only being utilized 3.5 hours a day. Hard to make money with an airplane sitting on the ground.
Some say separating the two divisions would make ATA more atractive to a buyer. However, in today's climate, I doubt anyone would be interested in buying any part of the airline. There have always been rumors that George would sell the scheduled service with the shiny new 757s and 737s and keep his beloved L1011s to run charter.
I really don't know what will happen. I am concerned, as are many who work in or are furloughed from the airlines. I only hope that ATA, along with all the airlines can return to profitability soon.
As for pilot hiring, my guess is that it will probably continue as long as ATA continues to take delivery of new airplanes. However, unless the L1011s can be utilized more, it wouldn't suprise me to see some of them retired soon.
Finally, on a personal note I'm bummed because I was informed yesterday that I'm being displaced from my LAX base. I can stay on the TriStar only if I'm willing to commute to Indy or New York. Since I've commuted before and don't feel like doing it again, I'll probably bid the right seat of a 757 so I can stay based at LAX. Guess all good things end some time, but I hate giving it up so soon.
Wishing some good luck on the airline industry. We all could sure use some...