Some ExpressJet Questions

[FlyChicaga]

Someone mind taking a shot at answering a few XJET questions?

• With industry analyists saying that the 50-seat RJ "revolution" is over, and now 70 and 100-seat aircraft will be the new wave, will XJET continue to strictly operate the 50-seat ERJ? Or are plans in place for operating a different aircraft? With current negotiations going on, are payscales being set (or in place) for an aircraft of this size?
• For those on reserve, how much flight time per month do you fly on average? Mostly day trips, or overnights? Also, what is the current per diem rate?
• Is the Continental/XJET flow-through/flow-back still in place? If so, will it continue to be in place seeing as XJET has separated from mainline?
• Should mainline move to 100-110 seat aircraft (rather than fly them at Express), or, should they reclaim routes previously served, how will this affect XJET?
• On the bell curve for mainline retirements (which peaks in 2007), should Continental decide to hire how many of those pilots could be XJET? Either with or without a flowthrough?
• If someone has the time, what are some typical or non-typical pairings that can be found at the different bases? Mostly 3-leg 3-day trips? More? Less?
• How is morale amongst the pilot group?
• What are the jumpseat policies of CAL and XJET? Only the number of cockpit seats available, or as many as can fit?

I had a few more, but can't think of them now. I'm interviewing next week and am trying to get a really good idea about the company's future and corporate culture. Any XJET pilots who can chime in about their work experiences and thoughts on this I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for taking the time to help me out answering these!

FC

 

[RidddleRat]

Lots of questions so I'll try to handle in order:

1) Right now we have about 250 planes and are still receiving 2 every month until we reach about 275. At that point we still have options for another 100 145XRs. Your point about larger planes is definately valid. We all agree that it will happen but mgmt. has yet to announce it.

2) A FO on reserve probably gets about 50 flight hrs. a month. Trips are a mix of whatever is out there. This could be 4-days, out-n-backs, or anything in between. On reserve though per-diem does make a difference in your check. Current rate is 1.40/hr and remember that all overnights away from your base make the whole pairing per diem tax free.

3) Since CAL is no longer the majority share holder of XJT, the flow through is dead. However, since we still have some CAL guys on our list (can you say flow-back?), those guys stilll have recall rights at CAL and that should cause a lot of movement in the next year or so.

4) I would love it if CAL placed an order for a 100 seat aircraft. I'd much rather fly a 100 seat aircraft for a major than for a "regional".

5) Since the flowthrough is dead, there is no current ratio for CAL to hire from XJT. Your chances on getting on there are the same as the guy from Skywest.

6) The pairing are of a wide variety. Last week I did a 4 day that had as many as 5 legs in one day, and as low as 2 legs. There are lines with just 4 days, or just day trips. What ever you are looking for, you can probably find it. You may not be able to hold it on the bid but you can find it.

7) Morale? I'd say that most guys are pretty upset with the rate of negotiations. The flying is good but the company crap sucks.

8) Jumpseat policy is different for CAL/XJT. CAL will only allow as many jumpseaters as they have jump seats (usually 1 or 2). XJT allows anyone as long as there is an open seat.

Overall, I'd say that XJT is one of the better places to fly 50 seaters at. It definately has a "major airline" feel. We are starting to really grow again and I hope we'll have a new contract my next summer. Good luck!

 

[FlyChicaga]

Thanks! Appreciate the response.

 

[Britpilot]

Lots of questions so I'll try to handle in order:

1) Right now we have about 250 planes and are still receiving 2 every month until we reach about 275. At that point we still have options for another 100 145XRs. Your point about larger planes is definately valid. We all agree that it will happen but mgmt. has yet to announce it.

Actually those options can be converted to ANY Embraer product, not just the XR.

 

[Nova]

like the EMB-120.