Originally Posted by Big E 757

As a late 2000 hire, the first time I could and did hold 765, A330, A350, was the November 2023 bid. I got A330 NYC. This most recent mock bid shows pilots junior to me holding A330 in ATL, and DTW, I didn't really check SEA, and A350 at all 3 bases.....in 2 months. I know the gap between me and a 2014 hire is around 2000 numbers, so not a lot, but a lot of movement is happening right now at the top, which hasn't happened in my career. I hope it lasts, but this kind of movement that's happening, might be once in a career/generation....so my advice, for what it's worth, is grab your seat now, if it's what you want, even if you're stuck on the bottom for a couple years till you can bid back down for seniority.

Trip's prediction is looking more and more likely in the next year or two, assuming things stay healthy in the industry. I wouldn't be surprised if the wall falls by next year at this time.

EDIT: I haven't even started training but before this bid even finalizes, two months after I'm on the line as a newly minted A330 Captain, I'll be better than 80% in the category 😉

Originally Posted by bohicagain

Currently 2014 hire starts at 5867

I'm an Jan 14 hire and widget Seniority has me at 4961 on 09/25

I'm still doubtful about Trip's prediction.

Originally Posted by Big E 757

As a late 2000 hire, the first time I could and did hold 765, A330, A350, was the November 2023 bid. I got A330 NYC. This most recent mock bid shows pilots junior to me holding A330 in ATL, and DTW, I didn't really check SEA, and A350 at all 3 bases.....in 2 months. I know the gap between me and a 2014 hire is around 2000 numbers, so not a lot, but a lot of movement is happening right now at the top, which hasn't happened in my career. I hope it lasts, but this kind of movement that's happening, might be once in a career/generation....so my advice, for what it's worth, is grab your seat now, if it's what you want, even if you're stuck on the bottom for a couple years till you can bid back down for seniority.

Trip's prediction is looking more and more likely in the next year or two, assuming things stay healthy in the industry. I wouldn't be surprised if the wall falls by next year at this time.

EDIT: I haven't even started training but before this bid even finalizes, two months after I'm on the line as a newly minted A330 Captain, I'll be better than 80% in the category 😉

Originally Posted by Gunfighter

​​​​​​The junior WBA award is within a few hundred numbers of 4961. WB deliveries in the next 18 months will increase staffing. Trip's prediction of 5,000 WBA is a logical analysis of growth driving lower seniority awards. The 9/2025 bet is more about predicting age 67 and the economy than about Delta staffing. If age 67 passes it will be a 2008 hire at 5,000 not a 2014 hire.
​​​​​​

Originally Posted by Trip7

If Age 67 passes unless ICAO is changed, those hitting 65 on a pure widebody will have to bid back to a domestic fleet

Originally Posted by GogglesPisano

FWIW: The junior WBA is NYC 330. It's about 700 jumbers junior to the 765.

Originally Posted by Gunfighter

765 will remain senior to the 330 for a few years. It's a natural transition for the senior 7ER pilots, plus it's a stagnant fleet

Originally Posted by gloopy

That seems reasonable, but does our current contract address this? Is there a requirement for them to do so?

Also, what about the "Canadian Airspace" element of this? Does that mean scheduled service to Canadian Airports? Or literally any Canadian Airspace? Because that would make it very interesting.

Just bid DTW and get bought off almost every trip.