Future regional growth....

[Flic1]

I was just interested on some views on the regional industry, say 2 years from now. I know we're seeing some growth with a few big regional airlines due in part to the majors downsizing. In turn, we're seeing regionals hiring a bit and the majors furloughing. Assuming the majors may not start hiring for 5+ years, I am concerned about future hiring with the regionals. I am concerned that we may see a situation where the regionals stop growing (stop hiring) and we still have little or no hiring with the majors...therefore causing very little movement whatsoever. I am looking to return to the industry to and would like to be with a regional in 2 years (at least hoping..) so it is a concern to me as to where the regionals may stand a couple years from know. I know we don't have the crystal ball, but I was just interested in some opinions. Thanks!

 

[Freight Dog]

If anyone could predict what will happen, they'd be millionaires. If you ask Kit Darby, he'll tell you there is a critical shortage of "qualified" pilots which we all know is a bunch of B.S.

The good news is that at least statistically, there will be mass retirements at the majors in the years up ahead. The bad news is that a good number of major airline narrowbody flying is being farmed out to regionals.

As for the furholees, at the majors, give them at least 3 years to start getting recalled and look at another 3 till the last one is recalled and then potentially some hiring at the majors.
Whether we like it or not, the regionals are gonna be career places for many pilots.

 

[SJCAPT]

I think this sums it up from Delta Airlines prospective. Read this exerpt from a Delta publication that came out in Aug. 02

With 12 million passengers expected to connect to Mainline routes from Delta Connection Carriers in 2002, Delta Connection carriers are essential to the Delta Network and the company's future. Without Delta Connection Carriers, high-yield connecting traffic would diminish, jeopardizing the viability of many Mainline routes. Delta Connection also served as a key component in the company's recovery post-Sept. 11 by helping Delta respond more cost-effectively to dramatic changes in market conditions.

Looking ahead, Delta will optimize capacity in regional markets with DCI's portfoilio of carriers to improve Delta's financial position. Delta Connection will be an essential component in plans to grow Delta's hubs, strengthen market presence on the East Coast, and provide feed to transatlantic and Latin American gateways. Turboprop replacement will continue in Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth. Responding to customer preferences, Delta Connection will provide more supplemental frequencies in existing cities and will add some growth markets from all Delta hubs.

Delta Connection will continue to play a major role toward taking our customers from anywhere to everywhere, and will help contribute to the long-term financial health of Delta Airlines.

SJCAPT