Ata Update/ Latest

[rudderdog]

Where would ATA use the 717s? I am lost here. Would they replace planes? Be based at MDW? How would buying new airplanes be a concession?

Bye Bye--General Lee

Hopefully they are using the 717s to bypass the whole "RJ" thang. What a concept....

If you really what to know what I think... And I know you do...ATA-Airtran-Hawaiian, CEO-Don Carty

"Three great airlines, One great future"

 

[vclean]

Any speculation on the best course of action for those of us exiled to the south ramp (Chicago Express)? Seems like half are saying to jump ship, and half are staying to hang on and wait things out. I'm starting to get dizzy going back and forth between the two. I hope I don't get an ulcer!

I love working here, but can't help but be a little concerned about the company's future...

Since you are in the bottom half of the FO list, I would consider looking elsewhere. Movement is going to be very slow for the near (6-8 months) future.

 

[PingPong]

Anybody have any advice for me being in the current pool at Chicago Express? When I interviewed last December things looked to be ready to expand and growth looked positive. Now hearing all this what are my chances on getting a class this year and being happy there once I do get hired? I know things have slowed down but hearing all this makes me nervous being an upcoming new hire. AHHHHHH!

 

[Pickle]

Dash 8 Q400

So we are coming down the ILS to 4R to MDW this afternoon, and what do I see awaiting takeoff clearance but a great big long Dash 8 Q400. Now what was that doing in MDW??

 

[saabcaptain]

The Q400 is on a tour of many airlines (including Chicago Express.) I haven't seen any *real* intrest in it... but hey a free ride is a free ride right?

To FlyChicaga... if you feel you have competive hours to get on with another regional offering RJ time and you are fairly confident of reasonable upgrade times you have to at least consider it. I can't imagine we won't have more direction on the status of our company within the next 12 months... but if that direction is going to be positive or negative, is IMHO anyones guess.

 

[Pickle]

Will the Dash 8 Q400 even fit on the south ramp?

Did you ride in it? If so, how did you like it?

 

[ataopsdave]

Will the Dash 8 Q400 even fit on the south ramp?

Did you ride in it? If so, how did you like it?

I am not sure if it will fit there or not. 2 of my boss' flew on it today and they said it is a good ride. I would have to agree with SAABCAPTAIN in that there is no real interest, just a stop on the sales tour.

ATAOPSDAVE

 

[FlyChicaga]

Will the Dash 8 Q400 even fit on the south ramp?

Did you ride in it? If so, how did you like it?

First question, nope. It is just about exactly the length of the south ramp.

I rode in it, and I was very impressed. From a pilot standpoint, and a passenger standpoint, it seemed like a great airplane. Very quiet, due to the active noise dampening (not ANR, but mechanical dampeners). You don't even need the heavy DC headset clamps it's so quiet. Telex's are the way to go. Large galley, APU, very powerful engines, good range, fuel efficient, fast, etc. Honestly, I highly doubt we are going to get them anytime soon, if ever. I'd hope they would, since we could most likely make some good profits with them. Whatever we do, we need to get rid of the Saabs IMHO.

saabcaptain,

I'm not really keen on the idea of leaving, but I also don't want to end up unemployed with no direction. I figure I'll hang on for a while longer, particularly since I doubt I'm marketable to many other airlines. I hope to see good things happen here. We'll just have to wait and see. 12 months won't be too long. I'm coming up on month 10 here, and it seems like I just finished new-hire class yesterday. I still remember what questions I missed on the systems exam...

 

[ataopsdave]

FLYCHICAGA

I guess the Q400 breaks even with something like 22 pax at a 85 dollar fare.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Yeah, in the packet they gave us it has a BELF chart for the different seating configurations. For the 78-seat configuration, it was 44? at $50, and like you said 22 seats for the 70-seat configuration at $85 fare.

 

[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.