FDX Updates

[navyc9]

Just went to the FedEx site to update. The system is down until approx late Oct for updating the system. Anyone on the inside have any rumors correlating with that date? Hopefully this is a sign of things to get going again.

 

[USNFDX]

I wish I could be more positive, however I have been told that when hiring starts up next year, the current pool will provide all the new hires they need through 2004. I hope I'm wrong.....I am quite frequently !

 

[T45Flyer]

I concur with USNFDX, he is wrong quite frequently!

LUV YA! -DB

 

[flares]

FDX rumor

Rumor from several guys working the line - Internal class started this month and things may, repeat may, be getting back to normal (ie starting interviews and hiring) possibly as early as next month.
I really, really hope this happens, but alas have resigned myself to not expect anything until after the holidays.

For hiring numbers, the last I heard (middle of August) was between 150 and 200, and that's poolies inclusive. This from a senior pilot after discussions with a chief pilot.

 

[USNFDX]

Hope your right!

Flares,

Hope your right! I'm a little concerned that I might be excessed from a DC10 FE to 727 FE. I guess we are starting to get a little short on the 727 and in Oct we have 30 more DC10 FE reserve lines than CAPTs or FOs. Those da%& age 60 guys keep coming back to the DC10 even without any vacancies. Bottom Line, unless we start getting some newhires, some of us are going to be pushed back to the 727 to everybodys detriment. Not complaining too much, just glad to have job.

Looks like the economy is starting to heat up, which is good for everyone!

 

[dixieflyer]

USNFDX,

If I may ask, how close to the bottom of the senority list are you for the DC10 FEs? How many numbers have you droped this summer? Also, do you know if anyone has been bumped back to the 727 yet?

The reason I ask is I have gone down about 6 numbers over the last couple of bids. I figured it was due to active military guys returning to the line. Im a pretty junior FE on the 727 and like you Im trying with all my mite to hang on to what little senority I have attained.

Thanks,

Dixieflyer

 

[TonyC]

Re: FDX rumor

Rumor from several guys working the line - Internal class started this month and things may, repeat may, be getting back to normal (ie starting interviews and hiring) possibly as early as next month.

I would mark those guys as UNRELIABLE sources. Which FedEx do they "work" for?!?!

 

[Goose17]

more info...

I flew with the assistant chief pilot on the 727 side tonight. He comfirmed an October seat bid. He said its purpose is to keep the MD-11 training program running full steam ahead.

Goose17

 

[moneyshooter]

Re: more info...

I flew with the assistant chief pilot on the 727 side tonight. He comfirmed an October seat bid. He said its purpose is to keep the MD-11 training program running full steam ahead.

Goose17

Did he happen to mention how he thought that would affect the Boeing? Perhaps a few new hires? Thanks for the input.

 

[Goose17]

nope

hopefully there will be a few secondaries. He said John Ryder (pilot hiring dude) stopped by and said he had no clue when we would hire again.

Keep in mind that things can and do change rapidly. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on new hire classes post-peak (shortly after the new year).

Goose17

 

[VaB]

My 2 cents. I wouldn't count on to many new classes until the JUN 04 situation is moving in one direction or another. That is of course my opinion. I hope I'm wrong, though.

 

[Vikingpilot]

Recent info from 727 flight standards is hiring will be on hold until after the new year. FDX express side is going thru a major reorg, and shedding upwards or 14k mid-level management jobs. The take rate for the early retirement (managers, not pilots) is very promising and will likely save $200M/year. FDX devised this early out programs to avoid layoffs and offer certain seniority groups monitary incentive to consider leaving early. Major announcements for the road ahead is expected in Nov/Dec, until then any hiring is unlikely. As for the seat bid, don't hold your breath on that either. although FDX express has seen increased revenue, the margins are terrible...less than .3% last quarter, this is a sign of a "bulging waistline" which is the main reason for top executive review a new management structure. Hopefully this will make FDX lean and profitable for the future. Also keep in mind several 55-60 year old captains has hinted at retiring before the new contract, December being the optimum time. Stand-by for big news after the new year.

 

[Huck]

June '04 is just a starting point. Major airline contracts take 3-4 years. We won't even get a federal mediator for the first two years. Look for any "instability" to be about 2007. Lawyers got boat payments to make too!

 

[Goose17]

seat bid a good bet

Everything I have heard is leaning toward a seat bid in October. The main focus is to keep the pipeline running in the MD-11 training department. We all know they are short on MD-11 crews and the training department is running at full steam ahead. With that, they have to start lining up the next MD-11 crews so there is no break in the training of folks.

I am pesimistically optimistic?!.

Goose17

 

[NightFlyer]

Take it for what it's worth, but during a conversation with a MD11 flex instructor last week she mentioned that in the recent checkairmen meeting they said the upcoming bid was more than likely going to be delayed until next year. She also mentioned that the MD11 training was going to be slowed down in the near future. I don't remember how many crews per month she said that they were planning on reducing it to but right now they are maxed out at 16 crews per month. Who knows, it hard to believe anything these days. Hang in there poolies.

NightFlyer

 

[CCDiscoB]

Holy Carumba!

Well that about does it for my Fed Ex hopes. NEXT...I think I'm now down to "Plan J" in my order of priorities. Plan M is truck driving, so I'd better make Plan L a good one.

I feel sorry for the 727FEs. But, they're doing better than I am. At least they're with an excellent company.