Update on Midwest Pilots - Where Did They End Up?

[johnsonrod]

I was always a big admirer of Midwest Airlines. Very comfortable seats, great service, tasty cookies. Now that the remnants have been acquired by Republic, I wanted to know about the status of the pilots. Was there a flow-through hiring option at Republic? Obviously a very challenging market to find flying jobs but I am hopeful many of them found some aviation employment. So, what percentage (estimate) were able to secure positions with:

1. Republic
2. AirTran (pre-merger with SWA)
3. SWA
4. Delta
5. Cargo-related
6. Corporate flying
7. Non-flying jobs

I was always impressed with their professionalism and I am hopeful that, even in the tough job market, many of them were able to find flying jobs. Just curious as to where some of them ended up because there were a lot of experienced pilots who I am sure would be valued in other cockpits.

 

[sitnresrv]

As a furloughed Midwest Pilot here's my best guess:

1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. ?

Really, with over 400 pilots, how on earth would anyone be able to begin giving any estimate that has any merit to it. Some have moved on to other careers and others have found flying gigs. That's about it.

 

[johnsonrod]

As a furloughed Midwest Pilot here's my best guess:

1. ?
2. ?
3. ?
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7. ?

Really, with over 400 pilots, how on earth would anyone be able to begin giving any estimate that has any merit to it. Some have moved on to other careers and others have found flying gigs. That's about it.

Thanks for wasting our time dumba$$. It's a legit question - just curious about where some of them ended up in this market. I guess reserve is quite boring for you and you need to waste other people's time to feel good about yourself. Gee, thanks. If you don't know, then don't answer.

Any other people not want to waste our time?

 

[FlyWolf]

johnsonrod;

I can tell you what I know so far just by talking to my friends;

Few guys went to Republic as check airmen and fo's flying the line.
Few guys (maybe 20-25) went to Airtran pre merger with swa.
Few (maybe 10) went to Allegiant.
About 20 to 30 went to Virgin America.
Few went to Air Cargo Carriers (Flying in Iraq and Afghanistan)
Few captains started a small charter company with one of the ex-Midwest md80.
Few went to Africa to various African carriers.
Few (maybe 5-10) went to Emirates.
A good number have left the flying business all together and went to do other jobs.
Few of the older guys retired.
A lot have been without jobs.

Sorry I just don't know the exact numbers.

I hope that helps.

 

[likeitis]

I was always a big admirer of Midwest Airlines. Very comfortable seats, great service, tasty cookies. Now that the remnants have been acquired by Republic, I wanted to know about the status of the pilots. Was there a flow-through hiring option at Republic? Obviously a very challenging market to find flying jobs but I am hopeful many of them found some aviation employment. So, what percentage (estimate) were able to secure positions with:

1. Republic
2. AirTran (pre-merger with SWA)
3. SWA
4. Delta
5. Cargo-related
6. Corporate flying
7. Non-flying jobs

I was always impressed with their professionalism and I am hopeful that, even in the tough job market, many of them were able to find flying jobs. Just curious as to where some of them ended up because there were a lot of experienced pilots who I am sure would be valued in other cockpits.

My best guess 1. around 15 2. around 30 3. 0 4. handful 5. ? 6. ? 7. ?.

My guess is 90% are employed with 75% flying related. A good number are with the FAA. A bunch with Virgin and Allegiant. A couple with Falcon. Some with Saudi, Emirates, Southern, Capital, Kalitta, Hawaiian and Evergreen. Around 10 in Afghanistan. A few teaching and a few in other government positions. Now that it looks like RAH may be relinquishing its death grip on our retirement funds and offering full pass benefits and retirement health, many are filing for retirement from RAH. If RAH offered full recall right now I'd be surprised to see 35 take it. Most of those would take it only so long as to get current and maybe work out a cheap type.

 

[FlyWolf]

Good post likeitis, I guess your post together with mine can give a general idea.

 

[hockeypilot44]

At least one went to Hawaiian. A couple went to Jetblue. A few went to Evergreen and Polar/Atlas. A couple junior first officers went to Compass. I think the majority of them are without jobs or out of aviation though. The top 60 are waiting for their Republic/Frontier captain spots.

 

[BUDDHA145]

Thanks for wasting our time dumba$$. It's a legit question - just curious about where some of them ended up in this market. I guess reserve is quite boring for you and you need to waste other people's time to feel good about yourself. Gee, thanks. If you don't know, then don't answer.

Any other people not want to waste our time?

I'm speachless of how highly you think of the Midwest
guys!!!

 

[johnsonrod]

Thanks Flywolf and likeitis and others. Again, just curious. And yes, I have met some highly-experienced pilots at Midwest and I wished them all well. I realize this is a very tough hiring market. Not surprised that Air Tran would hire a bunch given their 717 experience.

Good luck to all involved!

 

[donkeykong]

I was always a big admirer of Midwest Airlines. Very comfortable seats, great service, tasty cookies. Now that the remnants have been acquired by Republic, I wanted to know about the status of the pilots. Was there a flow-through hiring option at Republic? Obviously a very challenging market to find flying jobs but I am hopeful many of them found some aviation employment. So, what percentage (estimate) were able to secure positions with:

1. Republic
2. AirTran (pre-merger with SWA)
3. SWA
4. Delta
5. Cargo-related
6. Corporate flying
7. Non-flying jobs

I was always impressed with their professionalism and I am hopeful that, even in the tough job market, many of them were able to find flying jobs. Just curious as to where some of them ended up because there were a lot of experienced pilots who I am sure would be valued in other cockpits.

A lot of us are scoring jobs lately. Likeitis and flywolf summed it up pretty well. One point to make is #4 on the list. Goose Eggs as far as I've heard. A little help would be nice next round of hiring since they (more NWA than DL) were part of our demise.