I have no argument that this isn't a slap in the face for current 9E pilots. Delta has clearly demonstrated they are willing to do more for pilots that aren't on the property yet than they are for their current employees. That tells you where you are in Delta's scheme of things. It stings but before you do something rash take a second and look at Deltas plan and ask 'is it going to work?' I doubt it and that's an even bigger problem.
Delta forced 9E into bankruptcy and then purchased them for one reason. RA said it was to 'reset the rates for the entire DCI system'. How is that going? BB and RAH told Delta to pound sand. Next year they will park the 41 ERJ's they currently operate for Delta. The pilots involved will get a raise when they go to larger equipment. It is becoming increasingly clear SKW/XJT/ASA is going to do the same. SKW will reset their rates they charge Delta higher next year and collect the back payment they will be due. Delta will then have the option to withdraw some or all of the AC they own from service with them. If they do the pilots will not go with them - SKW/XJT has plenty of other work for them. Compass just signed a new agreement with raises. So who is going to operate these AC if Delta takes them back?
It is no longer a buyers market for regional feed - it is a sellers market. Delta management has never dealt with this before and has no clue what to do. This time next year there will be an industry wide shortage of regional lift. That shortage probably will not be shared equally.
9E management has stated on several occasions Endeavors inability to recruit is impacting Deltas business plan for all the DCI carriers. That is how management looks at this problem - it is a recruiting problem - not a shortage of pilots willing to work for peanuts.
Time will tell. My bet is by next summer Delta will not have any 50 seat feed and will be looking at a shortfall of 76 seat feed. But they will never admit the problem is pay at the regional level. If this recruiting solution doesn't work watch for Delta trying to acquire another regional or sell 9E with a lot of strings attached. Of course if they sell 9E the SSP and EtD programs end.
Delta forced 9E into bankruptcy and then purchased them for one reason. RA said it was to 'reset the rates for the entire DCI system'. How is that going? BB and RAH told Delta to pound sand. Next year they will park the 41 ERJ's they currently operate for Delta. The pilots involved will get a raise when they go to larger equipment. It is becoming increasingly clear SKW/XJT/ASA is going to do the same. SKW will reset their rates they charge Delta higher next year and collect the back payment they will be due. Delta will then have the option to withdraw some or all of the AC they own from service with them. If they do the pilots will not go with them - SKW/XJT has plenty of other work for them. Compass just signed a new agreement with raises. So who is going to operate these AC if Delta takes them back?
It is no longer a buyers market for regional feed - it is a sellers market. Delta management has never dealt with this before and has no clue what to do. This time next year there will be an industry wide shortage of regional lift. That shortage probably will not be shared equally.
9E management has stated on several occasions Endeavors inability to recruit is impacting Deltas business plan for all the DCI carriers. That is how management looks at this problem - it is a recruiting problem - not a shortage of pilots willing to work for peanuts.
Time will tell. My bet is by next summer Delta will not have any 50 seat feed and will be looking at a shortfall of 76 seat feed. But they will never admit the problem is pay at the regional level. If this recruiting solution doesn't work watch for Delta trying to acquire another regional or sell 9E with a lot of strings attached. Of course if they sell 9E the SSP and EtD programs end.
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