new skyway rumors

[propsare4boats]

I am curious what there is to this. I am now hearing that the 1900's are going to start going away this year. Truth or fiction? I heard the magic number is eight to start with. I just haven't heard anything other than this could happen this year no definnitave date.

Are we going to get anything to replace the 1900's or are we just shrinking if this is true?

Any rumor control would be appreciated.

 

[ilinipilot]

The CEO said that we will keep them until the leases are up in 2008. This was at the chat with the CEO in March. Between now and then things could have changed, but that is what was said and when.

D

 

[Fallingbrick]

Hey Ilinipilot, do you mean the President of Skyway (JR)? Or have you heard something new from the CEO of MEH (TH)? By the way, I see you have added 150 hours to your Flight Info profile….congratulations!

 

[b82rez]

Hey Ilinipilot, do you mean the President of Skyway (JR)? Or have you heard something new from the CEO of MEH (TH)? By the way, I see you have added 150 hours to your Flight Info profile….congratulations!

JR is the president and CEO of Skyway

 

[Fallingbrick]

Thanks, didn't know they gave him the CEO title.

 

[Wacko]

The CEO said that we will keep them until the leases are up in 2008. This was at the chat with the CEO in March. Between now and then things could have changed, but that is what was said and when.

D

That's what I heard at the meeting with Mr Rankin also. I vaguely remember him saying that they wouldn't go away unless there was something to replace them. He said he wanted Skyway to grow and not shrink. So I guess we will see what happens.

 

[Lowvis]

I guess none of the Skyway guys saw the U.S Airways EMB-170 parked on the Signature ramp last week. I think (but not sure) some of your top brass was giving it a look over. Good luck with everything.

Lowvis

 

[DrewBlows]

I guess none of the Skyway guys saw the U.S Airways EMB-170 parked on the Signature ramp last week. I think (but not sure) some of your top brass was giving it a look over. Good luck with everything.

Lowvis

They definately want the 170, but have to find someone to fly it for first. It will never fly with Midwest Connect painted on the side, seeing that YX already flys 717's with 88 seats.

 

[greenpickle]

Huh?

They definately want the 170, but have to find someone to fly it for first. It will never fly with Midwest Connect painted on the side, seeing that YX already flys 717's with 88 seats.

Not true.

 

[jobear]

I guess none of the Skyway guys saw the U.S Airways EMB-170 parked on the Signature ramp last week. I think (but not sure) some of your top brass was giving it a look over. Good luck with everything.

Lowvis

Skyway is also taking over the ramp for USAirways in MKE that could be another reason for looking at it. If it has more than 50 seats it should belong to mainline, my personal belief.

 

[DrewBlows]

Not true.

Which part?

JR stood in the crew room and said they were more interested in the 170 than the ERJ's slated for July '06 (less compitition in the 70 market). I don't know how the company could afford either at this point, so we'll see. Enlighten me if my facts (by facts I mean hearsay, but who's keeping track?) are wrong. I didn't say I thought Skyway would flying them any time soon (or ever), just repeating what I heard.

Oh, I have no idea if the 170 at MKE had anything to do with Skyway. I'm guessing not.

 

[DrewBlows]

If it has more than 50 seats it should belong to mainline, my personal belief.

I agree.

 

[greenpickle]

reply

Which part?

JR stood in the crew room and said they were more interested in the 170 than the ERJ's slated for July '06 (less compitition in the 70 market). I don't know how the company could afford either at this point, so we'll see. Enlighten me if my facts (by facts I mean hearsay, but who's keeping track?) are wrong. I didn't say I thought Skyway would flying them any time soon (or ever), just repeating what I heard.

Oh, I have no idea if the 170 at MKE had anything to do with Skyway. I'm guessing not.

What I think is untrue is the statement that Skyway wouldnt flythem because Big Bro has 88 seaters.

Skyway is leaner , meaner, and cheaper than ME. There is no scope issues and both companies are owned by the same Holding group. I think the day of Skyway bailing Midwest out is here. You already see it in Food, Pass Bureau, and Ramp. Whats next? I think that we will fly these instead of ME. I am glad I am at SYX instead of YX.

GP

 

[DrewBlows]

I see.

I sincerely hope we never fly 70 seaters for Midwest. I have no interest in taking a mainline guy's job, as I would one day like be somewhere described as "mainline".

What does Midwest's scope clause say about this issue? Anyone know?

Note: The possibility of SYX flying 70 seaters for YX is a Rumor (not even that, speculation really). I am just interested in Midwest's scope.

 

[248to2.8]

Pickle, you're delusional. Even JR said we will never fly these for ME unless they decide to go with the high density seating in the 17's. What we need is a contract with another carrier, like DAL or UAL to fly those. I've heard a rumor floating around about UAL looking at us. Don't know that I believe that, but it would be nice to be based in Colorado.

 

[ShadowFlight]

What does Midwest's scope clause say about this issue? Anyone know?

Take this with a large grain of salt but I believe Midwest doesn't have any scope clauses about what aircraft Skyway can fly. A Midwest line CA once mentioned they don't even have scope themselves for anything larger than the MD's.

As for the mighty Beeches, while they have served a purpose, it's time for their retirement. Even if we only get E145's, we should retire the Beeches and get more 328's which could replace the Beeches, except for EAS flights. Just a personal hunch but I sense Skyway doesn't want the EAS contracts forever.

Peace

SF

 

[HowlinMadMurdoc]

Not a rumor - Midwest starting 717 service to MSP in June and the counter/gate being moved to the Humphrey terminal.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050331/cgth029.html?.v=5

Darn, no more two mile walks at 5am!

HMM

 

[greenpickle]

What?

Pickle, you're delusional. Even JR said we will never fly these for ME unless they decide to go with the high density seating in the 17's. What we need is a contract with another carrier, like DAL or UAL to fly those. I've heard a rumor floating around about UAL looking at us. Don't know that I believe that, but it would be nice to be based in Colorado.

Son, you are confused. Are you telling me that because of some sort of loyalty to ME that we would not be used to fly 70 seat? Airlines attempt to reduce all possible operating costs. They try to get the best fuel price, cheapest mx costs, and cheapest labor. Why would they pay more to have ME pilots fly these things? Ethics? The right thing to do? Unfortunately the only places that are growing or making any kind of revenue are the carriers that are flying 70-90 seaters on the commuter scale. Am I happy about this? No. Crappy wages for all but that doesnt mean we should ignore the current trend. To compete in the current market we have to have the same bottom line as the other 70-90 seat programs and ME couldnt do that. Skyway on the other hand could.

The funny thing is 248, that we both know that the chances of us or ME getting any of these planes is about the same as you and I getting hit on by the Coors Lite twins in the Best Western bar on an overnight in Escanaba.

GP

 

[248to2.8]

Son, you are confused. Are you telling me that because of some sort of loyalty to ME that we would not be used to fly 70 seat? Airlines attempt to reduce all possible operating costs. They try to get the best fuel price, cheapest mx costs, and cheapest labor. Why would they pay more to have ME pilots fly these things? Ethics? The right thing to do? Unfortunately the only places that are growing or making any kind of revenue are the carriers that are flying 70-90 seaters on the commuter scale. Am I happy about this? No. Crappy wages for all but that doesnt mean we should ignore the current trend. To compete in the current market we have to have the same bottom line as the other 70-90 seat programs and ME couldnt do that. Skyway on the other hand could.

The funny thing is 248, that we both know that the chances of us or ME getting any of these planes is about the same as you and I getting hit on by the Coors Lite twins in the Best Western bar on an overnight in Escanaba.

GP

Well I know my chances are probably a bit better than yours, so that isn't the best analogy. By the way, you are really grumpy, has anyone ever told you that before? How does your wife put up with you? Must be those 5 day trips that save the marriage. (same here by the way). Don't get me wrong, I would love to fly the 70 seats, but I don't want to see a situation where the company pits our wages against the ME pilot wages. Because I know we would win, or lose, not sure which it is. Lighten up, take your meds.

 

[greenpickle]

Challenge

Well I know my chances are probably a bit better than yours, so that isn't the best analogy. By the way, you are really grumpy, has anyone ever told you that before? How does your wife put up with you? Must be those 5 day trips that save the marriage. (same here by the way). Don't get me wrong, I would love to fly the 70 seats, but I don't want to see a situation where the company pits our wages against the ME pilot wages. Because I know we would win, or lose, not sure which it is. Lighten up, take your meds.

All right 248, you and me, Escanaba, tonight. Bring your game.

GP

 

[ultrarunner]

Take this with a large grain of salt but I believe Midwest doesn't have any scope clauses about what aircraft Skyway can fly. A Midwest line CA once mentioned they don't even have scope themselves for anything larger than the MD's.

The midex CBA includes payrates for small narrow body aircraft. DC'9s and it's varients (717, MD-80, etc...) and for Airbus 318, 319 and 320.

MEH would need operate something larger than the 320 for any payrate negotiations. But not smaller narrow body aircraft.

 

[248to2.8]

All right 248, you and me, Escanaba, tonight. Bring your game.

GP

As much as I would love to show up and display my prowess at anything manly, my wife won't let me leave the house for the next couple days. I'm grounded till next week. God, look at one little porn site.....

Besides, I hate seeing grown men cry.

 

[ShadowFlight]

The midex CBA includes payrates for small narrow body aircraft. DC'9s and it's varients (717, MD-80, etc...) and for Airbus 318, 319 and 320.

MEH would need operate something larger than the 320 for any payrate negotiations. But not smaller narrow body aircraft.

Thanks for the clarification. I don't have a copy of Midwest's CBA.

Peace

SF

 

[zeroline]

Yeeaahhh....more beech flying

So much for that theory.

As for the mighty Beeches, while they have served a purpose, it's time for their retirement. Even if we only get E145's, we should retire the Beeches and get more 328's which could replace the Beeches, except for EAS flights. Just a personal hunch but I sense Skyway doesn't want the EAS contracts forever.

Peace

SF

Press ReleaseSource: Midwest Airlines Midwest Airlines Announces Service and Schedule Enhancements
Thursday March 31, 11:26 am ET
- Airline Takes Its Hallmark Signature Service to Minneapolis; Adds Flight Frequency to Several Midwestern Cities


..........................................
Midwest Connect

Also effective June 1, Midwest Connect will add an additional daily roundtrip flight between Milwaukee and Des Moines, La Crosse and Rhinelander. With the added service, the airline will offer four daily roundtrip flights between Milwaukee and both Des Moines and Rhinelander, and three daily roundtrips between Milwaukee and La Crosse. The added Rhinelander flight -- which makes a stop in Wausau in the northbound direction -- will be provided seasonally to accommodate increased demand during the summer tourist season.

Dickson pointed out that the new Midwest Connect service reflects the airline's ongoing commitment to provide superior air service throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. In addition to offering travelers more choice of flight times, the new flights will provide improved connections via Milwaukee to destinations throughout the Midwest Airlines and Midwest Connect route system. Several existing flights in these markets will also be retimed to improve their connectivity. The new Midwest Connect service will be offered on Beech 1900 aircraft, specially fitted with 19 contoured leather seats and featuring stand-up cabins.
........................



I bet they arent going to hire anyone else either. Besides the airports that cant legally handle anyhting but the beech, the rest should use the jet. Des Moines and La Crosse are 2 airports that really should use the jet, and now there are more beech flights. Now, I know there probably isnt enough jets to mann these routes ..... or there is a financially sound reason for increasing the beech flying....well either way, I hope I dont sound too Grumpy 248, I would hate to be Grumpy....maybe its cause I havent had any of my beauty sleep lately.

 

[logjammer]

I wish you guys wouldn't work for free. At least try for a survivable wage huh?

 

[DH106]

Greenpickle, you said, "Skyway is leaner , meaner, and cheaper than ME."
Please don't take any offense at this, but it just seems like you're proud of being leaner and cheaper --- is it not the poverty-level, low SYX wages that enable that? It's like being proud of pretending to win the lottery. I just think their pay is unacceptable, that's all.

You also said, "I am glad I am at SYX instead of YX."
I'm guessing you're in your 7th year, maybe, so if true, your Captain pay is $55/hr. Even if you were an FO at YX, your pay would be $73/hr --- which is about $18,000 more per year ($55,000 more if you were a YX Captain). So, what makes you glad to be at SYX instead of YX?

Again, no offense meant... I'm just trying to understand what you mean. Thanks.

 

[zeroline]

I wish you guys wouldn't work for free. At least try for a survivable wage huh?

Please indulge, what other BE-1900 operator should we model ourselves after. For BE-1900's we have one of the best contracts, and wages at or above the industry average. Our 32 seat rates are also at the industry average. Id post examples if youd like me too, Im just feeling kinda lazy right now....but please indulge.

 

[greenpickle]

Non taken

Greenpickle, you said, "Skyway is leaner , meaner, and cheaper than ME."
Please don't take any offense at this, but it just seems like you're proud of being leaner and cheaper --- is it not the poverty-level, low SYX wages that enable that? It's like being proud of pretending to win the lottery. I just think their pay is unacceptable, that's all.

You also said, "I am glad I am at SYX instead of YX."
I'm guessing you're in your 7th year, maybe, so if true, your Captain pay is $55/hr. Even if you were an FO at YX, your pay would be $73/hr --- which is about $18,000 more per year ($55,000 more if you were a YX Captain). So, what makes you glad to be at SYX instead of YX?

Again, no offense meant... I'm just trying to understand what you mean. Thanks.

No offense taken, at all. I do not take pride in being a low paid CPT. (by the way you are very close on your timeline). I wish the market could support higher pay. I also realize that I have no control over this. Yes we have a great union that got us the best contract they could but even they are limited to how much they could get for us. I am not happy about being on the bottom of the salary food chain. With that in mind I also understand that being at the bottom we are able to survive. My comments of leaner, meaner, etc.. were in regards to that. Yes, I would like to be a 6 year YX instead of a 6 year SYX for the money sake but I also look at the road for those 6 years. If I would have gone to YX, which I surely would have if I had the opportunity, at the same time as my start at SYX, I would have come close to CPT only to be furloughed and waited approx 1 year for recall, only to sit on reserve very close to the bubble. (The way I know this is that I had a friend start at ME the same time I started at SYX). Plus talking to you guys you all very worried about the future. The business model at YX is not allowing us to make money even though our loads are great. I pray for the future of our company as a whole. YX, on the other hand, is stable in the fact that they are very very cheap to operate. Im guessing you couldnt get any cheaper. Not only did I not get furloughed but I was able to keep CPT. (Less stress for the family) Also for our business model, ie. labor, planes, we have the opportunity to grow as a feeder. The Delta thing is a prime example. In short, unfortunately, my more meager existence is more likely to prevail in this current culture.

I hope you didnt take offense by my comments. I would love to work at ME. But the only way that is going to happen is if the business model supports profitibility and growth. (and you guys dont start giving pych tests to INH)

Finally, I appreciate your comment that our salaries are unacceptable but in the reality of this race to the bottom, 59 dollar tickets to FLL, type of culture, it needs to be accepted until things are changed higher up the ladder on a national level.

Humbly submitted
GP

I know I am gonna get it for this one.

 

[Wacko]

UAL looking at Skyway

I've heard a rumor floating around about UAL looking at us. Don't know that I believe that, but it would be nice to be based in Colorado.

At the last meet and greet with the boss, he said that Skyway submitted a hypothetical bid to fly the 328's for them. This would only happen if we aren't flying for Delta and the 30 328's hit the open market for sale. He also said that United was very interested in us. But us flying for them was totally dependent on what happens to those 30 airplanes. Hope that helps. It is all I can remember for that meeting. The next one is coming the 14th so maybe good news.