Good news for Comair and ASA

[jarhead]

Part of the RJ delivery equation is found in the fact that DAL mainline is recalling 1060 furloughed pilots. As these guys get back into the cockpits of mainline airframes, I expect that mainline aircraft may well replace some of the “frequency” departures of the RJ’s on overlapping routes. There would be less overlap of flights like CVG to MSP, or CVG to ATL, or ATL to DFW. DAL is in a real mess financially, and they need to get as much load factor as they can out of the large jets. This would shift ASA and CMR to serve smaller markets to feed the hub, as they were originally intended. The RJ needs to grow the smaller cities markets, and compete there, rather than compete with the parent company (DAL)

 

[standaman]

Just a question, since it seems a very reasonable probability that there will no new aircraft after the end of the year 2004, when was the last year Comair did not take delivery of a new airframe? They've been taking RJs since 93/94, so it must have been prior to that. Any of you 10+ year Captains remember?

Cya

Are you counting the strike?

 

[wrigley23]

"Are you counting the strike?" Standaman

Although the fleet was reduced following the strike, aircraft were delivered in early 2000 and then again in 2001. Someone please correct me if I'm talking out of my arse. I talked to a Comair pilot today and he said as far as he knows, 2005 will be the first year since the beginning (Navajos) that the company has no plans for growth.

Hopefully this will change.

As Jarhead mentioned above; as Delta begins to put mainline jets back on their pre 9-11 routes that are now filled by RJs, this should free up the ASA/Comair aircraft to expand into new, smaller markets that may only have S-340 or B-1900 service now. So there may be some hope for future expansion, maybe.

 

[jarhead]

Actually, the strike began in late March of 2001. I don't recall if Comair took any new aircraft during the first 3 months of 2001, but I know they got rid of several during the strike. I don't believe they got back to the pre-strike level of a/c until sometime in 2002, so 2001 may well have been a year with a net loss to the fleet. Anyone out there know the answer?

 

[wrigley23]

Actually, the strike began in late March of 2001. I don't recall if Comair took any new aircraft during the first 3 months of 2001, but I know they got rid of several during the strike. I don't believe they got back to the pre-strike level of a/c until sometime in 2002, so 2001 may well have been a year with a net loss to the fleet. Anyone out there know the answer?

You are correct, sir. Got the dates messed up myself. Anyway, it's a mute point now. Looks like those on the bottom of the list, including myself, are going to stay there there for awhile. That's ok with me, sure beats what I was doing. I hope Flash 7's wisdom is right.

Posted by Flash 7 in Comair aircraft assignment thread:

" It's better to plan on your QOL as an FO until things improve.In my opinion Comair is one of the best places to be in the Industry right now even as an FO.Things will change and you will eventually get your upgrade but believe it or not there are NO shortcuts in this crazy business. I have friends that left Comair 5 years ago for what they thought were greener pastures. They are still furloughed when they could be on 10 year pay now making six figures with good schedules and good job security. YA NEVER KNOW."

 

[JonnyKnoxville]

Wrigley 23

That's ok with me, sure beats what I was doing.

What you were doing was not so bad was it?

 

[Guam360]

I don't think any aircraft were ever subtracted from the existing fleet at that time, only deferred, some were sent to fly under skywest flights, actually means nothing, they were still flying for DAL(DCI). we eventually receive those aircraft, plus whatever we were slated to get anyway.

 

[Hose]

That's ok with me, sure beats what I was doing.

What you were doing was not so bad was it?

OH MY GOD! Nope, loved the old job.

 

[standaman]

OH MY GOD! Nope, loved the old job.

You have got to be kidding me!!