It's over....

[Propblast]

I was never proud of the UAL bashing. If you have a great product, which we did, it should speak for itself. I'll always be proud to associate myself with such a great pilot group.

-PB

 

[FlyBarneyJets]

Best of luck to all involved. I've got a lot of buddies over there that I've lost contact with. I hope they weather this well and come out on top!

 

[Stan]

"Analysts say Skeen passed by several opportunities to save the airline -- and thousands of jobs. Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc. tried to buy the airline in 2003 for about $512 million. Skeen fought that hostile takeover in court. Months later, United Airlines began searching for additional regional partners, opening the door for Independence to return to its roots as part of its regional fleet. Skeen decided against that as well."

I smell a shareholder lawsuit coming. Hopefully also Skeen and the Board of Directors will be held personally liable for the financial loss to the shareholders. Too bad they can't be held liable for the pain and suffering they caused all the FLYI employees because of their egos.

 

[jball2]

It is my sincere hope that each and everyone of my fellow BLUE RIDGERS will see the skies clear before them. I had the time of my life there and would trade my experience there for anything. The FLyI Pilots are top notch and your great reputation will precede you as you move on. Thanks for being part of my life!

ACA 7/97-3/02
BL

 

[iballdriver]

back at home after my 2day trip. i have no regrets. the professionalism and commitment to our customers and to each other was truly humbling. i saw many friends for one last time, until we meet again. my fo and i even threw in a few "blue ridge " call signs on the way in to IAD out of CRW ( charlie west is the best!) thanks to all who have expressed your kind words and acts. to jetBlue. words fail me in my expression of gratitude to you all. to those of you who worked at IDE: you were not coworkers, you were my friends and extended family. becuase of you all i always broke one of the big rules in aviation: never smile while you pack your bag and never go home tired. for that i thank you.
God Bless and Godspeed
bc
06-93 to 01-06

 

[rptrain]

dear rez and i.p.

love, duane.

ALPA Salutes Independence Pilots

A Message from President Duane Woerth

It is with great sadness that we mark the final day of Independence Air as part of our nation’s air transport system. FLYi’s predecessor, Atlantic Coast Airlines, was a long-term success by any financial or safety measure, and today its legacy ends as well.

From the start of its transformation, FLYi was a daring experiment to forge a new business model in the face of several obstacles. If the experiment did not fully succeed, it was not for a lack of effort and dedication from its employees. To the end, they steadfastly maintained their enthusiasm and professionalism.

History will judge whether the business plan their company developed was fatally flawed, a victim of circumstance, or both. However, for today, we can acknowledge that had it not been for its employees, that plan would have never seen the light of day.

What every ALPA pilot should remember is that this bold pilot group refused to abandon its union principles of unity and resolve in the face of adversity. They understood that the FLYi transformation was not, and could not merely be, a disguised attempt to win the industry’s “race to the bottom.” Their vision was to help the company build a viable enterprise without relying on slicing their own wages and benefits.

I salute the Independence pilots and their union leaders for their uncompromising performance both on the job and at the bargaining table. The pilots at Independence Air have supported their union, and we will continue to reciprocate that loyalty.

Through jobs and benefits conferences, we will provide them with every possible means of assistance for them to move forward with their lives and careers. We will work to make sure many of you are back in the cockpit soon. For those who choose other paths, I bid you farewell, brothers and sisters. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

 

[MajorAv8r]

love, duane.

ALPA Salutes Independence Pilots

A Message from President Duane Woerth

We will work to make sure many of you are back in the cockpit soon. For those who choose other paths, I bid you farewell, brothers and sisters. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

Will work to get you back in the cockpit? Hasn't done so for any of the, what, 5000+ furloughed since 9/11/01. Woerthless is an idiot!

 

[Vingus]

I find it hard to swallow when the legacy guys bash SWA and B6 for bringing down the industry.....at least these LCC operated with the intention and PLAN of making a profit.

The management at FLYi is where most of the disdain should be directed at. You can't compete with a competitor who has no plans to make a profit (see SONG as well).

I am personally glad that FLYi went under...I just feel bad for all the employees who got sucked under with the sinking ship.


Good luck guys.

 

[Crossky]

Will work to get you back in the cockpit? Hasn't done so for any of the, what, 5000+ furloughed since 9/11/01. Woerthless is an idiot!

Don't you read your expensive magazine? There is a thing called "Jets for Jobs". It's a neato setup, like when a pilot gets fired, er, I think the word is furloughed, they can get a job with their airline's regional flying an SJ (Shiny Jet). (Enough MTV talk)

Non-union SkyWest has Jets for Jobs for one, and has had good success with UAL ALPA in getting jobs for big blue furloughees, at second year pay as well! (I'm not SKW I just like pointing out the irony in their growth). Other ALPA regional carriers have J4J as well with mixed success. The down side (which I understand from your view): RJ's don't pay as well and you might have to put up with bratty kids.