Okay, I wish I didn't have this history, but it's a fact. I've worked for three regionals now...it's a long story, that includes my own choices. ASA, SkyWest, and ExpressJet. With that sorry but unique perspective, I can tell you that XJT is hands down the best operation, by a long shot. It's obviously because we were hooked to the CAL umbilical cord, and still are, so it runs just like a major airline. The pilots at all three are excellent people, but the management at XJT is also the best because it truly runs an operation that still respect the pilots. Their goal is to be the best, not trample the little people.
At ASA I felt like management thought we were all worthless. At SkyWest I felt like management, albeit good at running a value airline could just laugh in our faces because we had no recourse for rules except what management said. Everyone over there from schedulers to whomever can just say, "that's the way it is and your gonna like it". I hated that. Plus everything has to be submitted via some archaic method. No bashing on anyone, just telling you how I see it. There is a reason many pilots at XJT are lifers, and it sure isn't the pay. Figure it out.
With that said, I can honestly say I don't think any airline is going to come in to XJT territory and take away it's lifeline. Think about it. XJT has a huge fleet, and if you know economics, this is an absolute that is very difficult to undercut financially. Even when pilots have poor contracts, or none at all, it doesn't mean that there isn't room for XJT to lower the cost to CAL even more. Mark my words, nobody is going to take flying from XJT in 2007. Will CAL add some additional flying in other places using other regionals? I think it could and probably will happen, but CAL will not give up the huge quality and economic advantages XJT gives with it's fleet utilization of 274 ERJs.
At ASA I felt like management thought we were all worthless. At SkyWest I felt like management, albeit good at running a value airline could just laugh in our faces because we had no recourse for rules except what management said. Everyone over there from schedulers to whomever can just say, "that's the way it is and your gonna like it". I hated that. Plus everything has to be submitted via some archaic method. No bashing on anyone, just telling you how I see it. There is a reason many pilots at XJT are lifers, and it sure isn't the pay. Figure it out.
theo said:
With that said, I can honestly say I don't think any airline is going to come in to XJT territory and take away it's lifeline. Think about it. XJT has a huge fleet, and if you know economics, this is an absolute that is very difficult to undercut financially. Even when pilots have poor contracts, or none at all, it doesn't mean that there isn't room for XJT to lower the cost to CAL even more. Mark my words, nobody is going to take flying from XJT in 2007. Will CAL add some additional flying in other places using other regionals? I think it could and probably will happen, but CAL will not give up the huge quality and economic advantages XJT gives with it's fleet utilization of 274 ERJs.
