rdneckpilot

there is no way a union can fix that little feature of small bases. Its just the way it is…

TangoIndiaMike1

an industry leaning contract will allow the company to properly staff the basses by being attractive to pilots and also acquire more aircraft creating movement. The union is working towards that.

tom11011

This is just the way small outstation basing works. The union is not trying to dictate the company business model, they are only concerned that we are at parity or better with other airlines pilots flying similar aircraft. It’s possible getting to this point may dictate the company change their business model on certain things but that’s not for us to decide.

captnate702

“Parity or better with other airlines pilots flying similar aircraft.”

Don’t be shy, say it: Delta +1, a true industry leading contract.

We don’t want parity with Avelo, Suncountry, Breeze, Spirit, Frontier (aka our closest competitors). We want parity or better with Delta or else we will shut it down.

jshank83

I also was told this by the airport director at BLV. Said there could be an an announcement this year but it none will actually open this year.

I think they are hopeful one will come in 2024 but nothing for sure. Focused on finishing up the terminal and then adding FIS in anticipation of the Viva deal and flights to Mexico starting.

They also are NOT applying for a small community development grant this year.

Captainbfv

I can confirm this. I spoke with the guy last fall and he mentioned that BLV was still on the "short list" but Allegiant planned to "ride out" 2023 (recession and whatever). 2 new bases in 2024. When I asked him how he knew this, he said that a few of the "HQ people" had just met with the city and airport authorities to "talk shop". So we'll see what happens. Apparently they are looking at making some serious investments in BLV.

tailendcharlie

New bases…..fantasy.
The C-Suite disconnect from reality is profound.
The pilot headcount is shrinking at a 10% annual rate. And they haven’t yet even had to start pulling people offline to staff the 737 training department & run classes.

More probable is which bases to close in 2024.

Captainbfv

Meh. Can go either way, no one really knows for sure. BUT! If you happen to be correct in 2024, you can buy yourself a beer

Lileskimo

Can anyone speak to the seniority of the Florida bases, specifically Destin. Also Asheville?

Captainbfv

Destin is obtainable to new hires. But like many have said on another thread, it might take a few months to hold it. VPS right now is the most "senior" bases, even for FO's. The most junior FO that's coming on board in May to the base is a 8/2022 hire, and the most recent award to the base is a 11/2022 hire. As far as I'm concerned we have no commuters as of right now, if I'm not mistaken. Most senior FO is a 11/2016 hire, and all are pretty much waiting to upgrade here. Only a handful that I've talked to will consider upgrading to a new base if their seniority will place them in the top 50%.

VPS is a great base, great crews and operates pretty well over all. Its also a base with a lot of potential and "space" for growth, so many of us that are based there are hoping for the best in the long run. We just had a few Captains in the base move on so we expect vacancies in the future. Hoping for some more flying in the low season (Nov-Apr).

If you decide to come on board, welcome aboard, but know that VPS will be maybe a year away for ya. Good luck!