 Re: Changes we've been seeing in the past month or few
I can only speak to the XJET ones. Here's what I've picked up from the pilot forum and speaking with other pilots there.
XJET has slowed hiring, but is still accepting applications and (I think) holding some interviews. Everyone since nov 07 or so has been going into a pool, waiting for class dates. Classes were expected in April 08, but may be pushed back to the fall or winter of 08. I'm guess technically they haven't stopped hiring, but in reality it would be a while before anyone new actually started doing any flying for them. From what I understand, the company is overstaffed on FO's, but understaffed on CA's. The last round of base/upgrade bidding was canceled (maybe 2 months ago?) and I'm not sure when the next one is. I think they are hoping that with attrition to the majors and people finding other opportunities while on a COLA that they can lean out their workforce without having furloughs.
COLA's are being offered for May, June, July. You can take one to three months of leave. I think they are offering 150 of these total. Two weeks prior to your intended return you have to write a letter stating you plan to return, otherwise they will terminate you. A's CP is trying to get him on one to protect our benefits for a few more months.
XJET branded had a plan to reduce some of it's flying in the month of April. I can say that A went from having a hard line (barely) in Jan, to being scheduled for reserve in April. I don't know how much they reduced though. They haven't lost any contracts with other airlines, although I think some of the CAL flying has been scaled back. I think it's seasonal though and will pick up in the summer. There is always concern about losing CAL flying with XJET pilots since it's such a big part of the companies business, but I've given up worrying about it until it actually happens. There are too many Chicken Littles running around!
K |