Ata Update/ Latest

[ataopsdave]

Thats what Matt was telling me. I was not there. Was it a pretty sweet ac.

 

[Dart]

what happened to the ata post?

 

[ataopsdave]

Dart

Have you heard anything about when class will be? Have you spoken to the CP?

 

[mt2]

Pessimism

Wow. The amount of pessimism here astounds me. ATA is doing as well or better than most other majors. What is hurting us is our lack of cash as it limits our options. The Company knows we must continue to grow or wither on the vine...especially while most of the legacy carriers are hurting. So they come up with a game plan, and one that sounds reasonable. Expand into a 2nd hub, add Biz class, more point to point, end unprofitable routes, add a smaller "right-sized" aircraft. These seem to me to be good ideas to increase our revenues. They did a great job at reducing expenses last year and know there isn't much more to cut. So, they come to the Unions to ask for help in holding the line on costs while the Company undertakes a major initiative. Heck, 60-70 B 717's would nearly double the Company's size in the next several years. Not so dire if you ask me. Apparently Jan & Feb were bad but March was much better and April looks to be one of our best months ever (as told to a Capt by George) and Summer is coming. I grant you that we have some big hurdles to clear in the future but nothing we can't overcome.

Information, as well as rumors, are coming at a rapid pace this past week. Don't get too wound up about this just yet. More info will come out soon as the MEC is meeting in PHX right now. If I was in the pool I'd be anxious to here about what what kind of deal the Unions and the Company can work out. And as a 10 year guy I share none of the pessimism of L10drivr, in fact I'm excited - and yes a little nervous too - about the possibilities this latest development might mean to ATA and its employees. Look, no one (not even George) knows what is going to happen so let's not jump to conclusions. Patience....

 

[ataopsdave]

mT2

That was a good post. Thanks

 

[saabcaptain]

FlyChicaga... i hardly think C8 is going out of buisness. i simply meant as an FO who wants to get time, esp. PIC turbine time, you *might* be able to get it more quickly elsewhere do to lack of expansion at the present. That said I think C8 is stable and you and I both know from a quality of life perspective and as a community it is a class A operation. I am very happy with C8 and everything it has meant for my career, but then I did have good timing in regards to expansion.

It is never as good or as bad as the rumors suggest... almost always somewhere in the middle.

 

[mt2]

It is never as good or as bad as the rumors suggest... almost always somewhere in the middle.

Amen brother!

 

[UM#1]

flychicaga,
Let me tell I haven't met a C8 pilot that I didn't like. I think the relationship between ATA and C8 is better than any other regional and their major. Especially in the hiring process as ATA likes the C8 guys and they do very well in training and are already part of the "family" when they come over. I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about. Now If you get a great offer that you just can't pass up because it will help your career movement then by all means take it, but otherwise hang tight for at least 6 more months cause it's gonna be an interesting ride around here! Hiring will definitely pick back up, especially if we get 717's and that means movement at C8 as we hire from your pilot ranks. Plus I've heard that the saab2000 is still a possiblity or some other type of airplane for you guys (just a matter of time!). Remember if we get the 717's and open a new hub C8 might move into and get some new planes and work out of that hub. All kinds of possibilties! We should know more by the end of this week/next week.

 

[Pilotbob3]

Re: Pessimism

Wow. The amount of pessimism here astounds me. ATA is doing as well or better than most other majors. What is hurting us is our lack of cash as it limits our options. The Company knows we must continue to grow or wither on the vine...especially while most of the legacy carriers are hurting. So they come up with a game plan, and one that sounds reasonable. Expand into a 2nd hub, add Biz class, more point to point, end unprofitable routes, add a smaller "right-sized" aircraft. These seem to me to be good ideas to increase our revenues. They did a great job at reducing expenses last year and know there isn't much more to cut. So, they come to the Unions to ask for help in holding the line on costs while the Company undertakes a major initiative. Heck, 60-70 B 717's would nearly double the Company's size in the next several years. Not so dire if you ask me. Apparently Jan & Feb were bad but March was much better and April looks to be one of our best months ever (as told to a Capt by George) and Summer is coming. I grant you that we have some big hurdles to clear in the future but nothing we can't overcome.

you sound like someone who is ready to take the pay freeze no questions asked....why should the pilots pay for the "plan"? there are always bright ideas.....the pay was negotiated and you deserve it.....the company can overcome hurdles without reniging on a deal.....if it not so dire say NO to a freeze.....

 

[FlyChicaga]

Thanks for the great posts all.

 

[ataopsdave]

I agree thanks for the posts and keep them coming

 

[mt2]

Re: Re: Pessimism

you sound like someone who is ready to take the pay freeze no questions asked....

Not quite. I said things are NOT so dire, didn't I ? My post was referring to the amount of negative posts regarding the Company. Personally, I am taking a wait and see stance on all of this. Until more information comes out how could I make an informed decision as to how I should lean, let alone vote. It does seem you've made up your mind already -- perhaps you have better information than me.