News from Delta

[Kristie]

From Delta news:

Skyrocketing fuel costs prompt U.S. route cancellations
March 14, 2008

Because of the continuing spike in oil prices, and its effect on jet fuel costs, we are discontinuing service in markets as part of an ongoing strategy to manage those costs. Select flights and markets that cannot be profitable in light of the increase in fuel prices are being canceled.

By May 1, we will discontinue service in four markets operated by Delta Connection carriers. From Salt Lake City, we will discontinue service to Bellingham, Wash., and Fargo, N.D., both operated by SkyWest Airlines. From Atlanta, we’ll stop service to Atlantic City, N.J., and Islip/Long Island, N.Y., both operated by Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

“As a result of the 70% to 80% increase in fuel prices experienced over the last year, we continue to fight rising fuel prices through capacity reductions in the U.S. and by shifting more aircraft to international routes,” said Joe Esposito, managing director-Schedule Planning. “During 2008, we are trimming domestic schedules in select domestic markets at off-peak times and reducing the number of regional jets in our fleet, while at the same time growing our international capacity.” Other domestic regional jet markets that have been canceled previously as a direct result of increased fuel prices include Corpus Christi and McAllen, Texas, and Tupelo, Miss.

Because of our cost effective and flexible fleet, there is a possibility for further domestic reductions as necessary, Joe said. “We will continue to review market conditions to ensure we are most effectively responding to these persistently high fuel prices,” he said.

A few of the pilots over on JC think that if you're hubby/SO has the availability and hours to move upward on the food chain, you might want to consider it....some think if oil prices keep going up, the costs themselves will squeeze out the regional market. I have no idea what to think, but i can't imagine it doesn't bode well for anything 70 seats and under. I'm not sure how it would affect the corporate or charter market either.

does anyone know if their companies are raising fees or adding fuel surcharges or what not?

[amelia]

Originally Posted by Kristie

A few of the pilots over on JC think that if you're hubby/SO has the availability and hours to move upward on the food chain, you might want to consider it....some think if oil prices keep going up, the costs themselves will squeeze out the regional market. I have no idea what to think, but i can't imagine it doesn't bode well for anything 70 seats and under. I'm not sure how it would affect the corporate or charter market either.

does anyone know if their companies are raising fees or adding fuel surcharges or what not?

Thats a scary thought. I hate how you can never really feel safe in this industry (at least I don't ever really feel safe).

DH has been thinking about applying for Delta for the past few weeks, but he is sort of nervous of the Northwest/Delta merger.

[Kristie]

We really think it isn't going to happen... too much squabbling between NWA and Orient guys as they're kinda like AAA and HP right now (separated upon merger).

Delta pilots gave them their end of the deal and NWA so far has said ok but Orient has said absolutely NO WAY. since Orients guys are senior (to everyone), they don't want to lose their seniority. Delta guys would be merged with NWA guys based on seniority but Orient guys would be way above all the rest and that doesn't fly with the Delta guys.

So we just don't see it happening. If it did, we'd have another USAirways (AAA) vs AmWest (HP) debacle.

Plus, if the merger did go through, the airline would remain Delta and the hub would remain ATL, MSP would probably be closed and the state doesn't want to see that happen, so there are problems on that end as well.

I'm kinda hoping for the Delta/Alaska/United route myself. I think that would be a great combo (esp for international). i'm sure there will be some mergers and/or acquisitions among a few airlines this year, it just depends on who/when and how.

considering that Delta is still hiring like gangbusters and none of the hiring has slowed down (yet), i'd consider putting in an app. you just never know how many numbers he might get below him before things happen, then again, there's always that downside too... it's *always* a risk. but one things pretty darn sure, Delta would be the buyer so Delta would probably stay on top of the ladder...not sure how they'd do it but i'm pretty sure they'd be able to make a decent deal that benefits all delta pilots as well as the merging airlines pilots, they tend to be a pretty fair group from what i've seen/heard, then again, i'm not playing the game so i know i don't know all there is to know about what's going on so take my last few sentences with a grain of salt.

[Amanda]

Originally Posted by Kristie

A.

does anyone know if their companies are raising fees or adding fuel surcharges or what not?

HA- the airlines will probably take the money out of the pilots' pay!!

[BAC]

I don't know. While I'm sure many pilots want to "move up" to a major anyway, gas prices are going to effect the industry whether you fly a big airplane or a small one. Also, seniority numbers are very important for some people, and it may be too soon to tell whether or not regionals will become obsolete.

So, we shall see. But yes, it is scary to know that this industry is not reliable...

[amelia]

Is Delta one of those places where you have to know someone to get on? Dh doesn't know anyone there. Also, what are the Jr. bases? What are they hiring into right now?

[ccbegay]

Just heard on the news today that United and another airline are increasing there roundtrip flights up to $50+, I guess depending distance and such...

As for the elimination of some destinations, the small airport in Farmington, NM has all but one company leave! I used to be able to fly from ABQ and PHX, now, I have to fly into ABQ and drive 2.5 hours just to see the family...

[Kristie]

Originally Posted by amelia

Is Delta one of those places where you have to know someone to get on? Dh doesn't know anyone there. Also, what are the Jr. bases? What are they hiring into right now?

Isn't your hubby one of the guys over on JC? if so, then he's knows some Delta guys.

But as it is, i don't *think* you need to know someone, he can apply directly on airlineapps.com....but i *think* it does help to have a recommendation. not positive on that but they are hiring left and right.

they're hiring into every aircraft, but mostly the 757/767 (domestic and international) since they've had a lot of retirements. Jr bases right not are NYC (JFK, EWR, LGA) and ATL.

[amelia]

Originally Posted by Kristie

Isn't your hubby one of the guys over on JC? if so, then he's knows some Delta guys.

But as it is, i don't *think* you need to know someone, he can apply directly on airlineapps.com....but i *think* it does help to have a recommendation. not positive on that but they are hiring left and right.

they're hiring into every aircraft, but mostly the 757/767 (domestic and international) since they've had a lot of retirements. Jr bases right not are NYC (JFK, EWR, LGA) and ATL.

No, he isn't on JC. I'll keep my fingers crossed that #1, he puts an app. in and #2, gets an interview and gets hired even though he doesn't know anyone. But, I think he will put his app in this week b/c he is beyond ready to get out of the regionals. I'm just scared of the first year pay cut (at least Delta isn't as much as a pay cut as everyone else). But, I gotta suck that up sooner or later, right?

I wonder what the DEN -NYC or DEN-ATL commutes are like? Just as long as its not as bad as DEN-ORD.

[Kristie]

huh, ok.. for some reason, i thought i knew your hubby over on JC. my bad!

more news...

Originally Posted by Linked article
Continental warns of 'tough decisions'

Continental Airlines CEO Larry Kellner strongly hinted Friday that some big changes in the way the airline is operating may have to be made soon if high oil prices persist.

Airlines for months have been raising fares to try to offset the high prices. Another increase of as much as $50 on round-trip tickets was put in place by United Airlines and matched Friday by Continental.

But more may have to be done, the chairman and chief executive of Houston-based Continental said Friday.

Kellner told employees in a taped message that at today's fuel prices, the carrier will pay about $1.5 billion more for fuel in 2008 than it did last year.

"We can absorb these extraordinary high fuel prices for a little while," maybe a few months, Kellner said. "But if these prices continue, we will have to make some tough decisions to make sure the size of our network is right for a world with fuel at such astronomical rates."

At least one other airline signaled Friday that changes may be on the way because of high oil prices. At Atlanta-based Delta Airlines, Chief Executive Richard Anderson told employees it will be rolling out a comprehensive plan next week.

That carrier already has made some cuts domestically, he noted.

"Do everything you can to preserve fuel," Anderson told the Delta workers in his own taped message.

Kellner told employees the carrier would not ask for more cuts and concessions, as it did a few years ago.

However, "we'll all have to work together to increase revenues and decrease costs," if oil remains high.

Whatever steps may be taken, Continental pilots, who rallied this week in New York City to draw attention to their contract negotiations with management, will make sure their interests are protected, spokesman Mark Adams said Friday.

"This was the theme of our rally," Adams said. "Fuel costs what fuel costs and pilots cost what pilots cost and sometime you have to raise the fare for both."

Friday's fare increase by United and matched by Continental had not been matched by other big carriers, but Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com said he didn't find that surprising.

"Airlines along with consumers are probably absorbing the impact of this jolt and it may take them a few days to decide on proper levels of matching," Seaney said in a report. "Most likely they will match."

The $50 hike was only for the longest flights, with the increases for shorter trips starting at $4 a round-trip, he said.

To stay in place, fare increases need all major airlines to participate. If only one chooses not to raise prices, the attempt usually collapses.

Airlines have raised fares at least six times in the past three months as oil and fuel prices have continued to rise. The price for a barrel of West Texas crude closed at more than $110 a barrel Friday.