NWA hires FLYi EX Management CP, DOM, CI, DOS for Compass

[turbinej]

Northwest Pushes To Unveil Subsidiary 'Compass' In June
By Lori Ranson/Aviation Daily
03/29/2006 08:50:10 AM

Northwest is pressing for a June launch of its new subsidiary, Compass, and plans to hand either Bombardier or Embraer a new aircraft order to supply 76-seat planes for the airline in April.

The carrier outlined the plans for Compass, formerly dubbed Newco, in a filing with the U.S. Transportation Dept. after buying FLYi's operating certificate for $2 million.

Northwest is asking authorities for swift approval of the transfer of the certificate from FLYi subsidiary Independence Air to Compass to start flights in June from a base at Washington Dulles Airport with a single CRJ-200 that might "be sourced from" aircraft formerly flown by Independence.

Compass is also employing Independence's directors of maintenance, safety, operations and its chief pilot and chief inspector, noting that local FAA personnel have worked closely with those individuals. Taking that into account, Northwest said, "It is believed that the issuance to Compass of operating authority equivalent to that held by Independence Air will be obtained in a minimum amount of time."

Northwest wants to launch daily nonstop flights on Compass in June from Dulles to Minneapolis/St. Paul. The airline is targeting placing 76-seat planes into service during the first full year of operations, "under a tentative growth plan forecasting operation of at least 36 such aircraft in domestic markets in five years." The carrier noted those planes are replacing Avro RJs flown by partner Mesaba.

If Compass secures all the pertinent regulatory approvals, the carrier wants to take delivery of larger planes, starting in March 2007. "These aircraft will be the Bombardier CRJ-900 and/or the Embraer 175," Northwest said. "Final selection is expected to be made in April 2006." Compass would fly the -900s with 12 first-class seats and 64 in coach, while the Embraer 175s would be configured for 11 first-class seats and 64 in coach class.

Northwest is drawing from its own management to run Compass. Former US Airways executive and current Northwest CFO Neal Cohen is Compass's CEO. Dan McDonald, current VP-finance and fleet planning at Northwest is Compass's senior VP-business development. The Compass team is rounded out with VP and Secretary Mike Miller, who currently is Northwest's VP-law and secretary.

Compass is receiving $4 million in capital from Northwest. Projected operating expenses at startup are about $1.1 million, growing to about $14 million during the first year of operations

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

This is reason enough to vote down the TA. Arrogant management.....

 

[Occam's Razor]

This is reason enough to vote down the TA. Arrogant management.....

Ok, since I have a vote on the T/A and you don't, I'd be interesting in hearing how rejection of this T/A would effect the ability of NWA to operate "Compass".

Keep in mind the 2004 Extension Agreement granted NWA permission to establish a 3rd Airlink...so the horses (albeit smaller horses, but still the same size as currently operated at 9E) were already out of the barn.

If the T/A is rejected, will NWA still have the ability to operate Compass? [Hint: Yes!] Will there be any restriction s on size of aircraft at Compass if Judge Gropper allows NWA to impose Terms & Conditions? [Hint: No!]

Persuade me.

 

[Bavarian Chef]

Ok, since I have a vote on the T/A and you don't, I'd be interesting in hearing how rejection of this T/A would effect the ability of NWA to operate "Compass".

Keep in mind the 2004 Extension Agreement granted NWA permission to establish a 3rd Airlink...so the horses (albeit smaller horses, but still the same size as currently operated at 9E) were already out of the barn.

If the T/A is rejected, will NWA still have the ability to operate Compass? [Hint: Yes!] Will there be any restriction s on size of aircraft at Compass if Judge Gropper allows NWA to impose Terms & Conditions? [Hint: No!]

Persuade me.

Occam -- does that mean you are voting for it? No dog in the fight really, just interested.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Occam -- does that mean you are voting for it? No dog in the fight really, just interested.

Absent compelling evidence that a rejected deal is better for us, I will vote "for" the T/A.

 

[Bringupthebird]

Occam -- does that mean you are voting for it? No dog in the fight really, just interested.

Can you imagine Occam on a picket line? He'd be the only one with the "Doug - Call me, let's talk" sign.

In other threads he touts the Eastern pilots. The YES voters at NW aren't worthy of shining the shoes of the Eastern people. The rEAL pilots stood up to Lorenzo when it meant sacrificing their careers. Worthe rolls down the window of his limo and says the mechanics are on their own. Real courageous guy that Duane.

If the TA passes at NW it is tantamount to ALPA closing it's doors. They will have proven themselves irrelevant.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Can you imagine Occam on a picket line? He'd be the only one with the "Doug - Call me, let's talk" sign.

Ha! If you only knew.

I've been on strike, and got what I wanted as a result.

It was a different set of circumstances. Clarly different. How clearly?

I think you would understand it.

In other threads he touts the Eastern pilots. The YES voters at NW aren't worthy of shining the shoes of the Eastern people. The rEAL pilots stood up to Lorenzo when it meant sacrificing their careers. Worthe rolls down the window of his limo and says the mechanics are on their own. Real courageous guy that Duane.

It's easy to summarize when you don't have the facts, or choose not to understand them, eh?

If the TA passes at NW it is tantamount to ALPA closing it's doors. They will have proven themselves irrelevant.

You mean like the UAL pilots? The USAirways pilots? The American pilots who took a big hit too?

 

[starvingredtail]

Absent compelling evidence that a rejected deal is better for us, I will vote "for" the T/A.

I do not have my vote anymore, but I would vote "NO" because there is a better bargaining position out there. Once the "NO" vote came back, I believe there would be a lot of things that would be renegotiated to the benift of the pilot group. Sometimes it just takes stones.
P.S. I left because I do not think there are 51% of the pilots with stones left at NWA.
SRT

 

[starvingredtail]

If the TA passes at NW it is tantamount to ALPA closing it's doors. They will have proven themselves irrelevant.

I don't think so. This Judge and NWA management have signaled to the contrary. There will be a "crunch point" if a "NO" vote comes back.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Can you imagine Occam on a picket line? He'd be the only one with the "Doug - Call me, let's talk" sign.

In other threads he touts the Eastern pilots. The YES voters at NW aren't worthy of shining the shoes of the Eastern people. The rEAL pilots stood up to Lorenzo when it meant sacrificing their careers. Worthe rolls down the window of his limo and says the mechanics are on their own. Real courageous guy that Duane.

If the TA passes at NW it is tantamount to ALPA closing it's doors. They will have proven themselves irrelevant.

Cheap shot. Occam is much more pragmatic than your portrayal.....


Occam Razor said

Ok, since I have a vote on the T/A and you don't, I'd be interesting in hearing how rejection of this T/A would effect the ability of NWA to operate "Compass".

Keep in mind the 2004 Extension Agreement granted NWA permission to establish a 3rd Airlink...so the horses (albeit smaller horses, but still the same size as currently operated at 9E) were already out of the barn.

If the T/A is rejected, will NWA still have the ability to operate Compass? [Hint: Yes!] Will there be any restriction s on size of aircraft at Compass if Judge Gropper allows NWA to impose Terms & Conditions? [Hint: No!]

Persuade me.

You are correct in that you must (or can) vote for this TA and I have the luxury of not.

It is wonderful that each pilot gets a vote and get can apply his circumstances and beliefs to his vote. Basic and fundamental. I'd much rather have the ability to vote or abstain then not have a voice...

With that said, one perspective is brinkmanship. A difficult and serious situation.

Regardless, I respect either choice you make.....

 

[Occam's Razor]

Rez, Roger that on "brinksmanship". In this case I think the T/A is better than the alternative. The independant advisors that our MEC has hired to help us through this process have made it clear that rejection of this T/A will lead to imposed Terms & Conditions. Note: Not a contract! That would be gone. NWA would have unilateral control over the workrules and compensation for pilots.

I think the T/A protects the key elements of our contract and protects the junior pilots from furlough. I think it gets our furloughed pilots back quicker than an imposed deal, and I have faith that the duration will not matter...since NWA has never been able to make it through a full term without begging us for something. In each of the previous instances we got something significant as a result.

I don't like the T/A...just as I don't think any pilots at UAL, AAA, or AMR liked their deals. In each case the pilots agreed that their T/A was better than they alternative.

And yes, it is good to have a voice!

 

[filejw]

Arrogant? Whats so arrogant? For once they are planning in advance and we did give them the OK for a third carrier last yr.

 

[320AV8R]

Doug Steenland Conquers The World, Film At 11.

"If Compass secures all the pertinent regulatory approvals, the carrier wants to take delivery of larger planes, starting in March 2007. "These aircraft will be the"..... fleet of old DC-10s now at mainline.

"Northwest is drawing from its own management to run Compass. Former US Airways executive and current Northwest CFO Neal Cohen is Compass's CEO."
Wow...... I didn't see that coming..... how surprising !

"Compass is receiving $4 million in capital from Northwest." It is being funded from the paycuts & "labor savings" at NW mainline.... as extracted during the Employee Jihad.

"Projected operating expenses at startup are about $1.1 million," which will be funded primarily by the defunct NW pension.

If this wasn't so pathetic, it might be funny. I hope the TA doesn't get voted down, because Mgmt thinks it's a done deal! Sh!t, we haven't even started voting yet !

 

[Indy319FA]

Not that I want to start any wild rumors. But since the Fly I certificate was bought through the Chapter 11 process, and not a Chapter 7 liquidation, wouldn't Compass be obligated to recall Fly I Pilots and FAs under their Collective Bargaining Agreements? Wouldn't the fact that they are retaining Fly I management in certain jobs and basically purchasing all the left over assets (including some of the aircraft) add weight to this argument?

Heard a rumor some Fly I pilots are thinking about getting a lawyer........could make this very interesting indeed. That coupled with the fact Neal Cohen's last bright idea (MidAtlantic) blew up in his face is going to make this very interesting to watch.....

 

[xjhawk]

i hope that is true, that a class action type action will bog NWA down for years, i believe that those Fly i guys and gals deserve something. I think its a buch of bull what they are doing. Did anyone else see the writing on the wall......

The TA says if NWA starts a new airline (compass) they can operate 90 such 76 seat aircraft. Now....that release said they would operate 36 aircraft which would replace the avros. where are the other other 54 aircraft going? let the whipsaw begin

 

[320AV8R]

Indy319FA-

If they need a lawyer, tell them to call Doug Steenland. He's a great lawyer. :laugh:

Steenland & Cohen are snakes, & they know every loophole there is. The proposed TA states that NW furloughed pilots have the first crack at any jobs. I would bet Steenland & Cohen have most of their bases covered.

If the Indy guys want to fight it, be prepared for a veeeeeeeeeeeery long legal battle. These guys have done it before, & will do it again.

320AV8R

Not that I want to start any wild rumors. But since the Fly I certificate was bought through the Chapter 11 process, and not a Chapter 7 liquidation, wouldn't Compass be obligated to recall Fly I Pilots and FAs under their Collective Bargaining Agreements? Wouldn't the fact that they are retaining Fly I management in certain jobs and basically purchasing all the left over assets (including some of the aircraft) add weight to this argument?

Heard a rumor some Fly I pilots are thinking about getting a lawyer........could make this very interesting indeed. That coupled with the fact Neal Cohen's last bright idea (MidAtlantic) blew up in his face is going to make this very interesting to watch.....

 

[FCPhotography]

That certificate has screwed my family twice in one year!

 

[Indy319FA]

If they need a lawyer, tell them to call Doug Steenland. He's a great lawyer. :laugh:

Steenland & Cohen are snakes, & they know every loophole there is. The proposed TA states that NW furloughed pilots have the first crack at any jobs. I would bet Steenland & Cohen have most of their bases covered.

If the Indy guys want to fight it, be prepared for a veeeeeeeeeeeery long legal battle. These guys have done it before, & will do it again.

I had a previous working experience with NWA as a CSA, and I when I left I swore I'd never have anything to do with them again, so I have no interest in going back. I was thinking of some of the more senior people at Indy who really were screwed. I agree NWA management (and Steeneland in particular) have the ethics and compassion of a python, and I'm sure they have their bases covered. But I've run into some ex MidAtlantic people who were caught up in Mr. Cohen's screwup over there, and I'd say the jury is still out on his abilities. Would love to see some of the senior guys that were screwed at Fly I make a fight of it, but it will be interesting to see what happens. What might make this different, is the company never liquidated, and NWA is not just buying the certificate, but facilities and aircraft. They are also retaining some Fly I employees, which makes this appear to be a purchase of the company not just assets. This eagerness to get Compass off the ground as soon as possible may have caused them to make some mistakes that could give some of the Fly I guys a chance if they choose to fight it out. In reality, all this will be academic when the NWA guys vote down the TA, and the crap really hits the fan......

 

[Bringupthebird]

You mean like the UAL pilots? The USAirways pilots? The American pilots who took a big hit too?

Follow the cowards. Each one of those spineless groups emboldened Steenland to do what he's done. So if you want to count yourself as a willling accomplice to the demise of a once-great profession out of fear of losing your "job", then I guess your vote is as good as cast.

But if you have any idea of the courage it took for those who came before you at all the airlines that have faced strikes in the past and whose victories lead directly or indirectly to the pay and benefits you are about to carelessly discard, you will vote no and prepare to force NWA to bargain in good faith or come to a grinding halt. This was the only thing Lorenzo would listen to and Steenland is no different.

If I had to live with the guilt of the destruction I helped create through a "yes" vote, I suppose I would want the earliest possible retirement date also.

 

[Rossa]

When the NWA Pilots voted to allow a 3rd Airlink partner, was the sentiment something like "Hell, those airlink guys can fight it out amoung themselves, we've got ours" or something else?
The reason I ask is that, what makes you think there will be an NWA mainline Pilot group left in 14 years? NWA mngt has proven adept at moving the pieces around years in advance of ALPA even recognizing their significance. Everytime you guys have conceded anything, it morphed into something ominous years later and bit you in the A$$!!
20 years from now Compass will be operating everything that mainline does now - that's how mngt will see it.

 

[320AV8R]

Indy319FA-

If the Indy guys feel they have a dog in this fight..... let them unleash it.

You might want to tell them about the NWA Red / Green battle that has surpassed the 20 year mark, though. (Not to mention the Blue guys, as well). IOW, it's gonna be awhile.

320AV8R

I had a previous working experience with NWA as a CSA, and I when I left I swore I'd never have anything to do with them again, so I have no interest in going back. I was thinking of some of the more senior people at Indy who really were screwed. I agree NWA management (and Steeneland in particular) have the ethics and compassion of a python, and I'm sure they have their bases covered. But I've run into some ex MidAtlantic people who were caught up in Mr. Cohen's screwup over there, and I'd say the jury is still out on his abilities. Would love to see some of the senior guys that were screwed at Fly I make a fight of it, but it will be interesting to see what happens. What might make this different, is the company never liquidated, and NWA is not just buying the certificate, but facilities and aircraft. They are also retaining some Fly I employees, which makes this appear to be a purchase of the company not just assets. This eagerness to get Compass off the ground as soon as possible may have caused them to make some mistakes that could give some of the Fly I guys a chance if they choose to fight it out. In reality, all this will be academic when the NWA guys vote down the TA, and the crap really hits the fan......

 

[Indy319FA]

You might want to tell them about the NWA Red / Green battle that has surpassed the 20 year mark, though. (Not to mention the Blue guys, as well). IOW, it's gonna be awhile

Oh yeah. I worked with some ex Republic/Southern guys while I was there. Great people, but they hated NWA with a passion. Was pretty sad to see how much they hated the company they work for. One really senior guy in particular used to do everything he could within the rules to delay a flight, and enjoy the look on the managers face when it was delayed. Also used to talk to some of the Blue Tail captains during their 2 hr productivity breaks. Those guys were even more unhappy than the CSAs and Rampers. The dissention between the employees and management (along with the attitude of management) was the reason I decided to leave there, because I knew the company would one day end up where it is, and I didn't want to be anywhere around when NWA imploded.

 

[800Dog]

Rez, Roger that on "brinksmanship". In this case I think the T/A is better than the alternative. The independant advisors that our MEC has hired to help us through this process have made it clear that rejection of this T/A will lead to imposed Terms & Conditions. Note: Not a contract! That would be gone. NWA would have unilateral control over the workrules and compensation for pilots.


Ever considered striking if your contract is rejected? They will keep taking until you say no!

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Follow the cowards. Each one of those spineless groups emboldened Steenland to do what he's done. So if you want to count yourself as a willling accomplice to the demise of a once-great profession out of fear of losing your "job", then I guess your vote is as good as cast.

But if you have any idea of the courage it took for those who came before you at all the airlines that have faced strikes in the past and whose victories lead directly or indirectly to the pay and benefits you are about to carelessly discard, you will vote no and prepare to force NWA to bargain in good faith or come to a grinding halt. This was the only thing Lorenzo would listen to and Steenland is no different.

If I had to live with the guilt of the destruction I helped create through a "yes" vote, I suppose I would want the earliest possible retirement date also.

Everybody wants someone else to fall on thier swords.....

 

[labbats]

Follow the cowards. Each one of those spineless groups emboldened Steenland to do what he's done. So if you want to count yourself as a willling accomplice to the demise of a once-great profession out of fear of losing your "job", then I guess your vote is as good as cast.

But if you have any idea of the courage it took for those who came before you at all the airlines that have faced strikes in the past and whose victories lead directly or indirectly to the pay and benefits you are about to carelessly discard, you will vote no and prepare to force NWA to bargain in good faith or come to a grinding halt. This was the only thing Lorenzo would listen to and Steenland is no different.

If I had to live with the guilt of the destruction I helped create through a "yes" vote, I suppose I would want the earliest possible retirement date also.

I'm of the opinion this is one of the best posts I've seen on this site.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Follow the cowards. Each one of those spineless groups emboldened Steenland to do what he's done. So if you want to count yourself as a willling accomplice to the demise of a once-great profession out of fear of losing your "job", then I guess your vote is as good as cast.

Yeah, it's all my fault. I remember pumping those subliminal messages into the hotel rooms of USAirways pilots, "Taaaaaaake the deeeeeeeeeal".

Then I slipped testicle-shrinking drugs into the coffee of all UAL pilots.

Blame me.

But if you have any idea of the courage it took for those who came before you at all the airlines that have faced strikes in the past and whose victories lead directly or indirectly to the pay and benefits you are about to carelessly discard, you will vote no and prepare to force NWA to bargain in good faith or come to a grinding halt. This was the only thing Lorenzo would listen to and Steenland is no different..

So how'd that work out for them?

Perhaps the key is to choose your battles wisely. The right fight at the wrong time is a waste. It ain't always who is the toughest...but who lasts longest.

Did the the 13th Hussars and the rest of the Light Brigade ensure British rule forever at Balaclava? But wait! Since we all know the famous poem, the waste of good soldiers was clearly worth it! Right?

I'll be at this company long after Steenland is gone. I outlasted Rothmeier, Malek, Dasburg, and Anderson...even though each one of them took money from me at some point in their tenure. At some point, I got it all back...with improvements.

To think that the profession will be ruined by what happens at NWA this year is to ignore history. It's a cyclical industry, and I can live with this deal until the cycle is going the other way, and I'm not fighting my lame management and a judge .

If I had to live with the guilt of the destruction I helped create through a "yes" vote, I suppose I would want the earliest possible retirement date also.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Occam's Razor]

Rez, Roger that on "brinksmanship". In this case I think the T/A is better than the alternative. The independant advisors that our MEC has hired to help us through this process have made it clear that rejection of this T/A will lead to imposed Terms & Conditions. Note: Not a contract! That would be gone. NWA would have unilateral control over the workrules and compensation for pilots.


Ever considered striking if your contract is rejected? They will keep taking until you say no!

Sure. We took a vote and everything.

I believe our managment has considered an injunction too.

What then?

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

It's a cyclical industry, and I can live with this deal until the cycle is going the other way.

All,

When the cylce goes the other way we must ensure that management makes good on thier IOU. Whether that IOU is written or not. I believe managment has a clear agenda to keep us down.

In order to get back what we ALL have given up, is to stay unified, informed and educated.

It is certainly understandable that we are fighting amongst ourselves for what little crumbs are available, however, we are going to look like, and be treated like complete idiots if we fight over the growth and profits....

Stay focused, stay sane.... look at the touchdown zone but also far down the runway.....

 

[NuGuy]

Ok, since I have a vote on the T/A and you don't

Well, I DO have a vote, and it's NO (not just no, but HELL NO), so I just cancelled you out, and so no one has to convince you of anything.

The Sjet work rules are an abortion, when it is all said and done the DC-9 pilots will take over a %50 cut in pay, not to mention the worst workrules of any regional, let alone major, while your widebody a$$ coasts on with crew meals and luxury hotels.

What goes around comes around...just remember that.

Nu

 

[frjmx328]

All,

When the cylce goes the other way we must ensure that management makes good on thier IOU. Whether that IOU is written or not. I believe managment has a clear agenda to keep us down.

In order to get back what we ALL have given up, is to stay unified, informed and educated.

It is certainly understandable that we are fighting amongst ourselves for what little crumbs are available, however, we are going to look like, and be treated like complete idiots if we fight over the growth and profits....

Stay focused, stay sane.... look at the touchdown zone but also far down the runway.....

Ha ha ha, thats ********************ing halarious! You are such a ********************ing idiot....

....all the while, NWA pilots hope the DL guys " STAND UP FOR THE PROFESSION " Anyone still working at NWA should bow their heads in shame. Those willing to help the company continue to rape and pillage should be shot. Damn SCABS!!