If I wanted to phase out ASA....

[John Pennekamp]

Not a SKyWest pilot nor employee nor involved in the airline industry.

I didn't pose this as a wish but as a possibility of SkyWest Inc.'s course of action. I was wondering if there was some provision that would prevent this from happening.

This scenario does not involve 1700 pilots losing their jobs. It involves jobs going away (or more accurately to SkyWest Airlines) once vacated.

Now would you care to discuss the merits or deficiencies of the scenario without the emotion?

Andy, if you are not a SkyWest pilot, and don't even work in the industry, then
1.) Why do you care? and
2.) Why should we be interested in your opinion?

If you're not a party to the discussion, then you're only raising the issue to stir up trouble. The fact that you lied by omission when you said you're not with SkyWest only further undermines your credibility because you left out that you used to be a SKW employee. I'm sure you still have friends there and may even own stock. Surely you have SOME interest in seeing ASA go away. I have news. We ASA pilots are sick and tired of seeing SkyWest employees gleefully plotting the demise of our company.

How about this? Since ASA is more profitable than SkyWest Airlines, maybe they're going to phase out SkyWest in the same fashion you mention? That could be why BH is here. They will phase out SkyWest Airlines, then change the name of ASA to SkyWest. Really, I think this scenario is much more likely since SkyWest Airlines is a minor player in a minor DCI hub, and ASA has the infrastructure in Delta's largest hub, and is wildly profitable despite mismanagement. Not to mention that UAL just dropped the no complete clause. ASA could do it all. We could make crazy money if streamlined. Think about it. I say SkyWest is history. But don't worry, our union will give your pilots preferential hiring.

That you ask for an unemotional debate on this topic is laughable. So is you saying you "don't want to debate the pros and cons".

So basically, you're just another Flightinfo prophet expressing his opinion, and passing it off as fact.

Nothing to see here folks... move along.

 

[Newpilot2b]

Andy,
Miss ya man. What are you up to now? If not in this industry what then?

 

[79%N1]

We ASA pilots are sick and tired of seeing SkyWest employees gleefully plotting the demise of our company.
quote]

A-FREAKIN-MEN!!!!!!

Happy Turkey Day to All!

 

[ASAFOE120]

While there are those that strongly prefer a unionized operation, I think if it were a choice of SkyWest or nothing (or some undesireable union operations) they would choose SkyWest.

Skywest or nothing? Are you kidding? These days a pilot can pick and choose which airline he wants to go to. Some are even offering a signing bonus. He can even go to Netjets, live where he wants, and start out making $40K more than at any regional. I think the days "skywest or nothing" are history.

....and as one operation decreases in efficiencies of scale, the other side benefits so I see this as a wash. When the overhead gets to be too much, then it's time to merge into one HQ.

The way I understand it, the costs increase more rapidly when losing aircraft than the benefit of adding airframes therefore negating the "wash" you mention.

I missed your point on this one. SkyWest Inc had positive earnings surprises on the last quarter and the one before that. Are you talking about three quarters ago?

Originally, Inc. said they were taking 12 of our 700's. When they realized how expensive this was becoming, the transfer came to an ubrupt stop. They stopped the transfer at 4 airframes. That was the last quarter of '06. The next earnings report stated that they still made money, but missed expectations due to several reasons, one being the transfer of assets from ASA to skyw.


As previously mentioned, our contract only allows 5 aircraft in a 12 month period to be tranferred to SkyW. Its a 3 year contract so they can transfer 15 aircraft before our next contract. At that point, I would imagine we would do everything possible to tighten up scope to prevent the remainder of our airline to be transferred to our non union counterparts.

just my $.02

 

[Caspian27]

We ASA pilots are sick and tired of seeing SkyWest employees gleefully plotting the demise of our company.

You make a point here for why SkyWest could be absorbed into ASA. I don't think that will happen, but I like your thought process of your arguments for your point of view.

FYI, I really respect you ASA guys greatly, and I'm glad that your long wait for a contract is over. Most of us SkyWest guys are not evil. Alot of us truly care about others and want to see all of us succeed.

I must say it is ironic though that you say you are tired of the SkyWest pilots plotting the demise of ASA when your post clearly is plotting the demise of SkyWest. Kind of tough to be angry at someone when you're doing the same thing.

We all just do our jobs the best we can, in the peice of the DCI pie that's ours fly.

Respectfully,
C27

 

[John Pennekamp]

I must say it is ironic though that you say you are tired of the SkyWest pilots plotting the demise of ASA when your post clearly is plotting the demise of SkyWest. Kind of tough to be angry at someone when you're doing the same thing.

We all just do our jobs the best we can, in the peice of the DCI pie that's ours fly.

Respectfully,
C27

Irionic isn't it? As Bob Dylan says, "How does it feel"?

 

[Caspian27]

Irionic isn't it? As Bob Dylan says, "How does it feel"?

Nice reply. Great me-first attitude. Great speeelinng of ironic. Not sure what "Iriony" is...

I mean no dis-respect, but did you get the point of my argument at all? Do you understand what irony is? So in a nutshell, you're saying it's okay for you as an ASA pilot to knock on us, but not okay for us to knock on you. Now, I would never knock on you...as I said before I respect the ASA pilot group greatly. I just find your post here and attitude on this matter a little hypocritical. Do you not see that?

In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?"

C27

 

[John Pennekamp]

Nice reply. Great me-first attitude. Great speeelinng of ironic.

I mean no dis-respect, but did you get the point of my argument at all? Do you understand what irony is? So in a nutshell, you're saying it's okay for you as an ASA pilot to knock on us, but not okay for us to knock on you. Now, I would never knock on you...as I said before I respect the ASA pilot group greatly. I just find your post here and attitude on this matter a little hypocritical. Do you not see that?

In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?"

C27

I see that you're new here as of this month. If you want to understand why I'm acting this way, do a search and read a little of the discussion's history on this site. Ever since SkyWest, Inc. acquired us, your fellow pilots have been telling us how ASA is history, we'll be stapled to their list, etc.

I would submit that you should quietly learn a little of the history of this site before you jump right in and make an ass of yourself.

 

[Splert]

If I was a SkyWest executive that was tasked with phasing out ASA [and I'll leave out all the arguments pro and con about that decision], this is how I would do it.

I would appoint a executive level flight instructor as president of the company.

The good new is that Brad is small enough to play the roll of puppet president for Jerry and Chip.

He is a good descent guy but he will not be the acting president of ASA. Jerry and Chip will be pulling the strings and Brad will sign the paper work handed to him. Brad is a flight instructor and a very, very loyal guy and he will do what the elders want him to do with out question or consideration.

Skywest, Inc BOD would never sign off an appointment to the president a CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP/CRJ900/700/200/VPFO unless he is equipped with some very long and tight strings and they were sure he understood he has little to no discresion.

​

 

[John Pennekamp]

Y'all may remember me saying that Brian was the most under qualified CEO in the history of the airlines. Well apparently they managed to top him!

 

[Jon Rivoli]

I was talking with a certain gentleman last week in the hanger in SLC who is about to become your COO, he had some interesting things to say about ASA. First, the only reason you are profitable is because the contract SkyWest inherited when it aquired ASA is not tied to performance, were you paid under a contract similar to SkyWest's you would NOT be making any money. This contract has about three more years then it reverts to perfomance based compensation. Your new contract is amendable in THREE years. Your new contract ALLOWS for the transfrer of basically one plane every three months (how many 700's do you have?) that would be about 36 planes before your contract was up and you would not even be able to cry foul. It was expensive to transfer planes en mass, but the normal MX cycle will put an airplane in for a routine C check about every three months. Don't be suprised if they come out in SkyWest paint. Worst case scenario I can see is that by the time you enter negotiations again you have no more 700's and the ATR's have been retired. No furlows because of normal attrition. How many pilots would that leave you with? Don't shoot the messenger, just painting a picture. You have been out maneuvered by SGU.

P.S. I voted yes.

 

[USCtrojan]

I was talking with a certain gentleman last week in the hanger in SLC who is about to become your COO, he had some interesting things to say about ASA. First, the only reason you are profitable is because the contract SkyWest inherited when it aquired ASA is not tied to performance, were you paid under a contract similar to SkyWest's you would NOT be making any money. This contract has about three more years then it reverts to perfomance based compensation. Your new contract is amendable in THREE years. Your new contract ALLOWS for the transfrer of basically one plane every three months (how many 700's do you have?) that would be about 36 planes before your contract was up and you would not even be able to cry foul. It was expensive to transfer planes en mass, but the normal MX cycle will put an airplane in for a routine C check about every three months. Don't be suprised if they come out in SkyWest paint. Worst case scenario I can see is that by the time you enter negotiations again you have no more 700's and the ATR's have been retired. No furlows because of normal attrition. How many pilots would that leave you with? Don't shoot the messenger, just painting a picture. You have been out maneuvered by SGU.

P.S. I voted yes.

You mean the Contract that ASA has had since its inception of providing Delta lift? If ASA is shrunk, or stagnates, the cost of the airline rises exponentially. Business people like to make money. I believe every line I read, therefore it stands to reason SkyWest will go out of business in the near future at the hand of ASA. It's amazing what you guys listen and believe on a daily basis.

Trojan

 

[yellowfever]

I was talking with a certain gentleman last week in the hanger in SLC who is about to become your COO, he had some interesting things to say about ASA. First, the only reason you are profitable is because the contract SkyWest inherited when it aquired ASA is not tied to performance, were you paid under a contract similar to SkyWest's you would NOT be making any money. This contract has about three more years then it reverts to perfomance based compensation. Your new contract is amendable in THREE years. Your new contract ALLOWS for the transfrer of basically one plane every three months (how many 700's do you have?) that would be about 36 planes before your contract was up and you would not even be able to cry foul. It was expensive to transfer planes en mass, but the normal MX cycle will put an airplane in for a routine C check about every three months. Don't be suprised if they come out in SkyWest paint. Worst case scenario I can see is that by the time you enter negotiations again you have no more 700's and the ATR's have been retired. No furlows because of normal attrition. How many pilots would that leave you with? Don't shoot the messenger, just painting a picture. You have been out maneuvered by SGU.

P.S. I voted yes.

Wouldn't that be only 12 a/c in three years?

 

[Jon Rivoli]

The costs are insulated for about three years. Don't underestimate Brad. I've talked with him on several occations; he's very approachable and he's no dumby or SGU lacky. My FO and I had him cornered in the break room at LAX for about an hour and a half one day and he was very open. The impression I came away with was that if I had an airline I would want him to run it. You're not going to fall in love with him, in fact many of you will come to hate him, but he will change ASA. I believe Jerry told him you've got three years, kick this pig. Talking to him last week I stood up for your guy's performance (rampers, fuelers, catering) he's not hearing it. On the other hand, if you have a problem with the above issues he will probably do something about it. He's a pilot ( he will still fly the line on occasion) and he's done very well for himself, but he still has the stink of oil and kerosene on him if you know what I mean. This is his opportunity to become a full fledged member of the club and I don't think he wants to "F" it up. I don't believe he is there to kill ASA, but if he can't fix the problems it will wither. Good luck.

 

[Jon Rivoli]

I stand corrected, 12 planes. But, how long did your last negotiations last?

 

[USCtrojan]

The costs are insulated for about three years. Don't underestimate Brad. I've talked with him on several occations; he's very approachable and he's no dumby or SGU lacky. My FO and I had him cornered in the break room at LAX for about an hour and a half one day and he was very open. The impression I came away with was that if I had an airline I would want him to run it. You're not going to fall in love with him, in fact many of you will come to hate him, but he will change ASA. I believe Jerry told him you've got three years, kick this pig. Talking to him last week I stood up for your guy's performance (rampers, fuelers, catering) he's not hearing it. On the other hand, if you have a problem with the above issues he will probably do something about it. He's a pilot ( he will still fly the line on occasion) and he's done very well for himself, but he still has the stink of oil and kerosene on him if you know what I mean. This is his opportunity to become a full fledged member of the club and I don't think he wants to "F" it up. I don't believe he is there to kill ASA, but if he can't fix the problems it will wither. Good luck.

I remember when our System Chief Pilot (SH) walked into SLC to meet our Base CP (RC). As Mr. Hall was introducing himself and put out his hand, RC looked at him and stated, "DO YOUR F'N JOB." Or something to that effect. The point being, at ASA we're all tired of the fluff that comes in at the top with no competence, other than being able to count. I for one am looking forward to a hard @ss. It's exactly what ASA needs. It reminds me a little of the Paul "Bear" Bryant when he first took over the Head Coaching job at Alabama. Alabama was a complete mess with no discipline. The rest is history on how that great man revived a great tradition (that was for you Hoser). I hope Mr. Holt walks in and starts to LEAD. I will be behind him 100% if he can do it. It won't be easy, but if ASA is ridiculously profitable now, imagine how it will look when it starts to perform.

Trojan

 

[Oakum_Boy]

Why is it that we ratify the TA, and the scabs come crawling out of the woodwork to predict the demise of ASA.

 

[buscap]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[79%N1]

Nice reply. Great me-first attitude. Great speeelinng of ironic. Not sure what "Iriony" is...



In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?"

C27

Because every 3 days one of your Rollover breatheren makes a post on 'how to get rid of ASA, when we're going to take ASA's planes, how we are going to get ASA's base, ASA's routes, etc, etc, etc........

And all with such glee!!! That is why ASA pilots grow weary of your attitudes! If Skywest wants to get rid of us....PLEASE DO!!! Just put out a damn memo telling me when to clear out and get it over with already! If one of you guys wants to buy a nice house in Newnan, let me know. When I finally get my pink slip I'll sell it you for a great price!

Quit with the damn conjecture! Tell your boys in SG to pull the plug already!

As for BH, I will ask him to his face the first time I see him if he is sent here to dismantle this company. I'll let you all know what he says!

In the mean time, continue with your drooling....

 

[yellowfever]

I stand corrected, 12 planes. But, how long did your last negotiations last?

I don't work for ASA, but it would take a long time to dismantle ASA at a rate of four a/c a year.