US Airways Launches MidAtlantic Airways

[Dashcaptain]

MDA is ALPA and the 170 is on the mainline certificate. The FAA just considers it a new fleet type while Airways is calliong it the Embraear division. GE is providing most of the financing so far, at least. The 3 WO pilots get to fill the seats at MDA before they can hire of the street. We are working on the details right now as most of the furloughed pilots don't want to go there as FOs.

 

[FurloughedAgain]

MDA is ALPA and the 170 is on the mainline certificate.

...most of the furloughed pilots don't want to go there as FOs.

This seems to be the biggest question-mark.


If MidAtlantic is, indeed, a part of mainline -- then how is it that the furloughees have a CHOICE???

If MidAtlantic is simply a new fleet-type at US Airways, then when the company calls the furloughees they are being RECALLED.

If they choose not to accept the recall, then are they not simply resigning?

How can they bypass a recall at MidAtlantic if MidAtlantic is mainline? And if they DO bypass MidAtlantic, how will the company handle a recall to mainline if/when it occurs?

 

[BRA]

For what it's worth, the 170's say USAirways Express on the sides

 

[Swaayze]

FA,

Nice thought, but no. MidAtlantic is just another MetroJet with commuter wages. Except this time they got it wholly segregated from mainline with the exception of the certificate. Bennies and everything are different, and MAA can withold pilots from recall to mainline under the provisions of the LOA.

What I particularly find sadly amusing is the new code-a-phone where they say something to the effect of "please join the MEC in welcoming these pilots back to the active mainline". Please!

They had real trouble filling the FO slots for the 4/5 class. The main problem was that they were only giving one week notice, and I'm not sure how low they went, but I know it was less than 500 from the bottom of the APL. Why go there and endure all the uncertainty surrounding things and a probable long upgrade wait? Kinda a crap shoot until scope issues are sorted out and there's some indication of how many airframes will really end up there IMO.

 

[ALGFLYR]

For what it's worth, the 170's say USAirways Express on the sides

Also for what it's worth - the ATC callsign for MDA is "US Air".

 

[blahshmah]

So the US 170 is going to take on the WN 737... we are living in some interesting, turbulent times. The Philadelphia consumer is definately going to be the winner for the next few years.