Comair/expressjet

[skid]

Just wondering if anyone had some info on hiring/training/pay during training/upgrade/time on reserve/expansion for either comair or expressjet. I know there are a lot of other past forums out there but the info is so spread that could take forever. I have been at QX for 2 years and still on reserve looking at another 5-6 years for upgrade and making little $$. Need a change badly!

 

[doh]

Well, I like working at CMR and the XJT folks I've met have been great, but who knows where we're headed. Today, both have good agreements in place, but what does tim have as a tag line... Oh yeah, if you don't like what's happening, wait a minute, it will all change! Good luck!

 

[nimtz]

Not sure if you will see a big QOL change if you bail on QX for Xjet or Comair. The fact is they are both mature regionals with alot of guys deciding to become lifers just like at QX. As far as Xjet goes I can comment, but Comair is on your own.

At Xjet you will probably be able to hold the domicile of your choice. You can plan on reserve in the neighborhood of 3-6 months. I would argue we have the best all around flying of our sector. You'll see plenty of big cities and cool spots in Mexico and Canada. Occasionally I've muttered to myself 'wow I'm getting paid to spend the day here.'

First year pay will probably be around 22K depending on how much you work. After that figure making the low 30's as an FO. Pay attention to the FO rates cause you might be there a long time. We've got a lot of movement right now, but it is totally due to CAL recalling and (maybe) taking guys hired under the deceased flowthrough. After that we only have roughly 20 more jets coming and that's it.

Alot of our captains seem very hesitant to move on to better airlines cause of the QOL change. What that means to you is stagnacy all over again. Now of course things are very fluid in this business so everything can change, but until our CEO decides to get us off CAL's teet that's the future. Oh and our contract with CAL is up in Jan 2007. I wouldn't count on upgrading within 4 years.

Lateral moves at the regional level can be tough and sometimes they don't work out as well as they might seem. If I was in your situation the only move I would make would be towards CHQ. The 50 seat market is capped out. Unlike our 'siily' CEO at least Bedford realizes this and is building a solid portfolio in the 70 seat market. That's where you will find alot better upgrade and schedule potential. Plus you don't hear many people b!tch about CHQ. Who knows though. When I was hired at Xjet it was 10 months to captain. I'm finally going to class after 4 years.