Fedex Seat Bid

[Falconjet]

727 FO

I agree. Why in the world would a 72 FO give up the free ride for the same pay and similar trips? I don't see that happening.

As to the retirement of the 72, as you often hear in the AOC, when the last A380 is delivered to the boneyard after being retired the crew will jumpseat back to Memphis in a 727.

I think that is a very telling indicator of how long the venerable jurassic jet will be on the purple property.

FJ

 

[Huck]

I seem to recall the DAL Express 737's went ridiculously junior in MCO for these very reasons....

 

[AlbieF15]

You never know but...

Looks like about 11 new vacancies or so after this practice bid. Last bid when vacancies weren't filled at 100%, movement was quite stagnated. I think I moved up as much on this 15 captain bid as I did on the last 50 captain bid.

In the big picture this may not mean a thing, but good luck to the poolies and I hope you are all in April classes! Looks like there is slowly but surely a bit of movement.

 

[ERJ - Jay]

Flight International Magazine
March 2, 2004

"FedEx Invites 737 Conversion Bids"

BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE

Specialists vie for work to convert up to 50 aircraft

Boeing 737-300/400 cargo conversion suppliers are responding to a request for proposals (RFP) from FedEx Express for 25 aircraft plus 25 options.

FedEx has asked Taiwan's Inter-Continental Aviation Services (ICAS), Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Pemco Aviation Group to price their 737 conversion products. The RFP suggests FedEx has selected the 737-300/400 over the Boeing 757-200 as the replacement for its fleet of over 100 Boeing 727-100/200s (Flight International, 15-21 July 2003). But sources say FedEx is still looking at a cargo version of the 737-900/900X for its long-term needs.

They add that proposals include conversions at several sites. ICAS is proposing converting aircraft at Taiwanese maintenance and repair organisation Air Asia; IAI at its own facility in Israel or at Garuda Maintenance Facility AeroAsia in Indonesia; and Pemco at its own facility in Alabama or at new partner Malaysia Airlines.

FedEx may also pursue its own supplemental type certificate (STC) rather than using the STC already held by IAI or Pemco, or the new STC ICAS plans to apply for next year with assistance from partners Boeing and Flight Structures. FedEx is looking at a variety of sources for the aircraft, including leasing.

FedEx is expected to replace its 727 fleet quickly to avoid forthcoming airworthiness directives and maintenance overhauls. Sources say FedEx's 737-300/400 purchase could be much larger than 50 aircraft and be spread across several conversion centres.

ICAS, IAI and Pemco declined to comment, citing non-disclosure agreements with FedEx.