What's up with ATA?

[vc10]

I did a search on ATA and there hasn't been an update from anyone there for quite a while. My understanding is that ATA's summer capacity will be down about 50% year-on-year. That's quite sobering. Are half the pilots furloughed since last summer?

 

[FlyChicaga]

I was just about to post something similar. Curious how long the current schedule will stay intact?

I really hope that the future brightens up for ATA in the long run. What a terrible turn of events for an awesome group of employees.

 

[njcapt]

Well, sometime in September, we're going to be down to a fleet total of 36-38 aircraft from 65 last December (15 757's, 5 L1011's, and 16 to 18 737's). More 757's are leaving by the end of the year and we are supposed to be getting a number of 'classic' 737's making a total of 46 airframes by the end of the year. We've given up on CLT, PIT, PHL, FLL, MIA, PIE, SRQ, SEA, and lost service from MDW to LAS, LAX, SFO and PHX. This, as a result of the SWA code share. As of today, we have 940 pilots (down from a high of nearly 1200), though another fifty or so are getting the boot by the end of the month. The Chief Pilots' office sez we are going to furlough down to around number 850 by late July, the thought of which usually makes my sphincter tighten up as I'm number 838.

Most of the good news comes as a result of the SWA code share revenue. We are way ahead of expectations in code share revenue, and our frequently sullen gate agents have managed to avoid treating most of the code share passengers as red-headed stepchildren. As long as SWA re-ups the code share agreement this winter, barring additional industry catastrophies and with some additional financing to get us through the lean winter months and our re-fleeting, we stand a good chance of making it. I ain't going anywhere else unless it becomes obvious that ATA is going to tank. I drive to work, fly with cool people, and occasionally get to go to interesting places (though not as interesting as the dudes who fly the 757 and L10). I want continued employment, not more initial training.

You left C8 at the right time, though, flychicaga. I was heartbroken to see the demise of a really excellent regional airline, but given the restrictions of the SWA code share, there was no place left for them to feed ATA.

 

[FlyChicaga]

I definitely feel fortunate to be where I am, but there are days where I really miss C8. I sometimes feel like my heart is still there in ways. I'm definitely proud to have started my career there. Luckily ATA is still hanging on. Is the charter business still going strong, with the military and Ambassadair? Any words of charter expansion? I haven't heard any news about ATA at all...

I'm trying to commute tomorrow to work on ATA. Hopefully I'll get on... it will be good to ride on you guys again.

 

[FN FAL]

I got two buds working at ATA, one will be fuloughed and one will probably get downgraded. Hopefully, the economy will turn that corner we wish it would and things will get better.

 

[HalinTexas]

It should be noted that a reorganization plan is allegedly to be announced in May witch should include bankruptcy emergence in September. Rumored that Denison might stay on a permanent CEO.

B737-800 ETOPS to be certified in July. Number of "classics" have allegedly been leased and will be on line late summer, early fall.

No new cities are in the works; at least no new rumors. Lots of possibilities, but contingent on getting some more airplanes.

Non-military charter on the decline. Rumors that Ambassadair may be up for sale. Much of it's flying now contracted to Trans Meridian. We've been told that "there's no money in charter." Military charter has saved our arse once again, however. Pleasant Hawaiian is doing pretty well particularly if you throw in the SWA codeshare.

Intra-union politics (AFA and ALPA) are not helping things much. Pilot concessions expire July 1, but I'm sure something will come down the pike for us to vote on by then.

Personally, I have 36 hours left as captain, but he paycut won't hit until June. Junior captains displaced that need training will keep the pay coming a little longer.

 

[vc10]

How do folks feel about Denison?

It should be noted that a reorganization plan is allegedly to be announced in May witch should include bankruptcy emergence in September. Rumored that Denison might stay on a permanent CEO.

B737-800 ETOPS to be certified in July. Number of "classics" have allegedly been leased and will be on line late summer, early fall.

No new cities are in the works; at least no new rumors. Lots of possibilities, but contingent on getting some more airplanes.

Non-military charter on the decline. Rumors that Ambassadair may be up for sale. Much of it's flying now contracted to Trans Meridian. We've been told that "there's no money in charter." Military charter has saved our arse once again, however. Pleasant Hawaiian is doing pretty well particularly if you throw in the SWA codeshare.

Intra-union politics (AFA and ALPA) are not helping things much. Pilot concessions expire July 1, but I'm sure something will come down the pike for us to vote on by then.

Personally, I have 36 hours left as captain, but he paycut won't hit until June. Junior captains displaced that need training will keep the pay coming a little longer.

 

[flyhard]

Mr. Denison seems to be leading us in the right direction. When he is in IND he stays where the crews stay. He is very personable and talks frequently with crews during breakfast. I think that says a lot about him right there. GM our former CEO had no vision and no direction for the company. He would never be caught dead in the crew hotel. Mr. Denison has an impressive resume of rebuilding companies and hiring key leaders for companies. He has opened a line of communication between management and the employees. Hopefully he continues to stay or at least have a hand in hiring someone with his qualities.

 

[ILStoMinimums]

Who are the classics coming from? Are they 300-400-500's?

 

[ATA For Now!]

-300's and -500's to be configured with 122 and 137 seats with a 32" min seat pitch. They are old UA birds.

New leather interiors and new paint but no biz class.

 

[crashpad]

I got two buds working at ATA, one will be fuloughed and one will probably get downgraded. Hopefully, the economy will turn that corner we wish it would and things will get better.

Things will definitely be getting better when three events take place:
1). Oil prices drop
2). Tickets go up
3). Airlines that drain the industry go 'buh-bye'!
(that's ATA, UAL and USAir for those that need to be hit in the head)

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

GDY - 12 UAL -500s

-300's and -500's to be configured with 122 and 137 seats with a 32" min seat pitch. They are old UA birds.

New leather interiors and new paint but no biz class.

I was in Goodyear, AZ (GDY) a few months ago and saw 12 737-500 from UAL. Plus, 4 777s.

 

[ATA For Now!]

Things will definitely be getting better when three events take place:
1). Oil prices drop
2). Tickets go up
3). Airlines that drain the industry go 'buh-bye'!
(that's ATA, UAL and USAir for those that need to be hit in the head)

So, you want to see thousands of people out of work?

All I can say is Blow me.

 

[atafan]

Things will definitely be getting better when three events take place:
1). Oil prices drop
2). Tickets go up
3). Airlines that drain the industry go 'buh-bye'!
(that's ATA, UAL and USAir for those that need to be hit in the head)

I don't even give jerks like this a second thought. Crashpad must have run out of hamsters to smash with his hammer, thanks for playing, buh bye!

 

[njcapt]

Things will definitely be getting better when three events take place:
1). Oil prices drop
2). Tickets go up
3). Airlines that drain the industry go 'buh-bye'!
(that's ATA, UAL and USAir for those that need to be hit in the head)

Would you mind explaining how ATA is 'draining the industry'?

 

[ATA For Now!]

Would you mind explaining how ATA is 'draining the industry'?

You know K....our overall industry capacity of 1.7% really puts a hurt on DL, AA, CO and the others!

R

 

[njcapt]

You know K....our overall industry capacity of 1.7% really puts a hurt on DL, AA, CO and the others!

R

Yeah, and our six months in Chapter 11 has allowed us to 'take advantage' of non-bankrupt carriers. I see no advantage to being in Chapter 11 other than the rejection of leases. Everything else costs more money.

 

[Wesb737fo]

Hey Crashpad,

I am curious to see how you came to be employed at the carrier of your choice. What was it that made you so much better? What achievements permit you this lofty perch from which you so freely determine the dreams and careers of so many others should be snuffed?

What is truly sad is that I have given you 2 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Now I must go and do some serious thinking. Where is my paper? I will think of you when I flush.

 

[crashpad]

What is truly sad is that I have given you 2 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Now I must go and do some serious thinking. Where is my paper? I will think of you when I flush.

'Lofty Perch'? I thought it was a 'High Horse'? Who cares, I just got 2 minutes added to my life.