He was there guys...Fairly descent turnout considering the size of our operation out here. Several guys came in on their day of. MEC, many FA's & mtc. guys made an appearance as well.
The obvious concerns were talked about, so I will try to summarize what was said.
SLC will be staus quo until May, and hopefully into the summer. Delta's May schedule requires 4 additional 70's to be added to the mix, so the 5 SKYW are getting will fill that niche, and ASA will stay with what we have. ASA's future in SLC depends on Delta's need. ASA's 50's coming out here doesn't look like a possibility
ASA opening another hub/domicile "absolutely will not happen". If and when we leave here, we go back to ATL. Jerry talked about the 90's/705's that Delta will need out of ATL, and ASA being the most likely candidate. Apparently 17 are on order. The scope business with Delta still needs to be settled for us to put 78 seats in the 900. We all voiced concern about lack of capacity in ATL, and JA hinted that when Delta downsizes their fleet, that slots would open. Basically, a lot of speculation here.
All you guys aren't going to like this, but sounds like our parent company giving us a contract without the 8% concession on 70 pay will not happen. JA said about 5 times that ASA cannot and will not get any addtional 70 flying until the costs come down. He gave some legitimate breakdowns of operation costs, and said that he wants us near the bottom, but not at the bottom. He touted the profit sharing plan several times, and some numbers were crunched while we were all there, and a $100k per year Captain stands to get about $1150 per quarter based on a 4.6% company quarterly earnings while meeting 100% of the performance goals (The baggage is not included!!)
Jerry said he's like to see the contract settled in one month, but realizes that is probably not possible. Travel benefits are at a stand still right now, and nothing has been discussed for about 2 months.
SKYW is actively bidding on the COEX flying, and if SKYW gets the award ASA could expect to receive a majority, possibly all of that flying (69 ERJ-145's). That awarded carrier is expected to be announced in about a month or 2.
That was the meat of the discussion. Most people seemed to enjoy talking with Jerry. He was very open, and easy to talk too. Straight shooter, and comes across more honest and trusting than a typical businessman. You guys in ATL will get your chance to meet him. He is supposed to have a similar forum in the crew lounge there in about 2 weeks he said.
Signing off...........