Why the lateral move - JBLU-AAI and vice versa?

[Lear70]

OK, I'm really confused. We here at AAI have a handful of people every interview who are wanting to come here from JBLU.

Then we lose a guy or two each month FROM AirTran TO JetBlue.

So... what gives?

The pay scales are so close now for F/O's that they're nearly identical. The attrition seems to be about the same on both sides of the fence as far as senior people leaving going to SWA, FDX, or back to their legacy carrier.

AAI has 10.5% B-fund, JBLU now has an almost equivalent 401k match and guaranteed profit sharing.

Both pilots fly about the same types of trips with similar days off. JBLU has more bases than AAI which makes for nice diversity but AAI's profits have been nicely consistent where JBLU seems to be a little more come and go, especially lately.

Soooo... why do you think guys are bailing each direction?

Discuss amongst yourselves.

 

[motch]

Very simple..
Bases.

I have a few friends at AirTran, and they like it there. Thye have asked me if I want to come over.

I live in NYC, and therefor do not want to comute anymore after I leave my current employer. To say that I'll never commute is unrealistic. But while I have choice in the matter, would rather be with an airline that is doing well and has a base within 20 miles of where I live oppose to a base over 500 miles away.

I also don't want to come to an airline and go to training just to jump ship later on. Everyone is different, everyone has a different agenda and plan. Just mine...

Always
Motch

 

[jetjock6]

I know a guy from Atlanta that left AAI for JB because he felt that they treat their employs better (his words not mine).

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

 

[johnsonrod]

Some people prefer side-sticks to traditional yokes... Seriously, I don't know why one person would jump from one to the other unless domicile was the determining factor. Commuting blows.

I think both airlines are very comparable and it comes down to domiciles and A320/E190 vs. B737NG/B717. The pay seems similar as well.

 

[Lear70]

I just did a long comparison of pay rates and retirement, and the F/O's at JB are compensated on average $7-10 per hour MORE than AAI pilots.

However, AAI CA's are compensated $10-15 per hour MORE than JB pilots.

Over a 25 year career, an AAI pilot with a 5 year upgrade will make approximately $500,000 more than a JB pilot, including retirement.

Those include the JB blended rates at the new payscales.

Go figure.

 

[B727Driver]

AAI has 10.5% B-fund, JBLU now has an almost equivalent 401k match and guaranteed profit sharing.


There is never a guaranteed profit to share. It may be a benefit, but no profit, no profitsharing.

 

[O-Weone Ubabe]

I understand where you are coming from but it is guaranteed profit sharing...whether or not there is a profit to share! You are guaranteed 5% every year with anything over 5% paid as cash.

 

[mnboyev]

The coffee is better at AirTran.... nano nano new new.....

 

[Kharma Police]

The coffee is better at AirTran.... nano nano new new.....

No way, they have Dunkin' Donuts coffee!

 

[SkiFishFly]

The coffee is better at AirTran.... nano nano new new.....

Anybody's coffee is better than AirTran coffee...