Capt Forte's message:
Good morning. This is Captain Steve Forte on Thursday, September 2.
I am pleased to report that we will begin recalling furloughed pilots on November 1. The recalls will begin modestly – with 40 total by the end of the year. Pilots will be notified by mail of the exact date of their return.
This recall comes in response to an increase in pilot hours, normal employee attrition and projected retirements. This gradual start-up will allow us to train pilots and staff flights efficiently while maintaining a smooth transition for our employees returning to the line. We expect that some recalled pilots will be back flying for United as early as December.
In addition to the recalls, we recently posted 95 new bids, creating opportunities in both the captain and first officer ranks to move to more senior positions. The bids close on September 6.
We’re continuing to evaluate manpower needs for next year, in an environment that keeps shifting rapidly. I’ll have information about recalls for 2005 later this year and will share it with you as quickly as it’s available. In the meantime, we are increasing capacity at the Flight Training Center so that we are ready for our returning pilots in November and beyond.
As someone who’s been furloughed in the past, I appreciate what this development means for our furloughed pilots and for our company at large. I look forward to personally welcoming our recalled pilots back to the property and sincerely appreciate the hard work that all of you are doing day-in and day-out to keep our operation strong.
My comments: The fact that recalls start before the end of '04 indicates to me that there will be further recalls leading up to summer '05. New recall estimate: 150-400 before summer '05.
Tailwinds,
Andy
Good morning. This is Captain Steve Forte on Thursday, September 2.
I am pleased to report that we will begin recalling furloughed pilots on November 1. The recalls will begin modestly – with 40 total by the end of the year. Pilots will be notified by mail of the exact date of their return.
This recall comes in response to an increase in pilot hours, normal employee attrition and projected retirements. This gradual start-up will allow us to train pilots and staff flights efficiently while maintaining a smooth transition for our employees returning to the line. We expect that some recalled pilots will be back flying for United as early as December.
In addition to the recalls, we recently posted 95 new bids, creating opportunities in both the captain and first officer ranks to move to more senior positions. The bids close on September 6.
We’re continuing to evaluate manpower needs for next year, in an environment that keeps shifting rapidly. I’ll have information about recalls for 2005 later this year and will share it with you as quickly as it’s available. In the meantime, we are increasing capacity at the Flight Training Center so that we are ready for our returning pilots in November and beyond.
As someone who’s been furloughed in the past, I appreciate what this development means for our furloughed pilots and for our company at large. I look forward to personally welcoming our recalled pilots back to the property and sincerely appreciate the hard work that all of you are doing day-in and day-out to keep our operation strong.
My comments: The fact that recalls start before the end of '04 indicates to me that there will be further recalls leading up to summer '05. New recall estimate: 150-400 before summer '05.
Tailwinds,
Andy
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