The following memo from Dave Soaper, Vice President - Air Operations was sent to the Flight Operations Team:
Flight Operations is mailing recall letters today to 54 Comair pilots. This is to help the airline account for planned pilot attrition and prepare for an anticipated increase in aircraft utilization in the March-through-June timeframe, as well as the possible stabilization of our fleet. Although Comair still has some important work to complete in its restructuring efforts, the recent ratification of new pilot and mechanic agreements sent a clear signal that we are making significant progress to achieve competitive costs in line with today's environment. Please keep in mind the airline's survival and success still depend on completing all the necessary elements of our restructuring, and we continue to work toward this goal.
As you will recall we have been expecting the removal of 30 jets from our fleet as Delta and Comair seek to lower their aircraft ownership costs through the Chapter 11 process. The new pilot and mechanic agreements - combined with cost control initiatives already implemented in other areas of the company - give Comair a chance to minimize fleet losses and prepare for potential opportunities in the future. This requires us to increase pilot staffing accordingly to ensure we have sufficient coverage.
There is no question that starting a pilot recall so soon after implementing a reduction in force only adds to the unsettling nature of restructuring. We are grateful, however, that Delta is restoring some flight hours at Comair as so many employees make difficult sacrifices to help secure our future. At this point, the recall only pertains to pilots because of the unique circumstances involving training, attrition and cockpit staffing that affect our team and operational reliability.
Thank you to everyone for your continued professionalism and your efforts in running a great operation
As you will recall we have been expecting the removal of 30 jets from our fleet as Delta and Comair seek to lower their aircraft ownership costs through the Chapter 11 process. The new pilot and mechanic agreements - combined with cost control initiatives already implemented in other areas of the company - give Comair a chance to minimize fleet losses and prepare for potential opportunities in the future. This requires us to increase pilot staffing accordingly to ensure we have sufficient coverage.
There is no question that starting a pilot recall so soon after implementing a reduction in force only adds to the unsettling nature of restructuring. We are grateful, however, that Delta is restoring some flight hours at Comair as so many employees make difficult sacrifices to help secure our future. At this point, the recall only pertains to pilots because of the unique circumstances involving training, attrition and cockpit staffing that affect our team and operational reliability.
Thank you to everyone for your continued professionalism and your efforts in running a great operation
