Originally Posted by grasshopper

IMHO the company is trying to stay flexible and remain ready for bargains in the near term by getting the house in order and looking at opportunities as they come along. The quantum leap in aircraft doesn't seem to have totally materialized yet. Is the next aircraft order a no brainer yet like the 737-900's? I don't think so...I think they are wanting to see exactly what the new models/versions of models yield etc... just that a more comprehensive justification can be established. Some of what happens with industry consolidation may play a factor. The stagnation is frustrating for everyone especially those of us on the bottom...I think it has very little to do with us and is more in line with what the "playmakers" need to move chess pieces. I think as a participant in this industry, you'd be a fool not to keep your eye on metrics like this though. I don't worry yet but I'm watching

Originally Posted by Delta1067

What is WRT? I keep seeing that here.

Originally Posted by grasshopper

a new contract would probably make the stagnation business feel A LOT better hopefully it will also unlock some restraints that might be holding us from growing and going after other markets. we'll see...I'm hoping my recent trip with rep "skippy" is a good omen for the tenacity of our MEC on getting this stuff done. meanwhile I'll look forward to layovers where big haired ladies are a plenty...err...just cause they are fun to watch.

Originally Posted by forgot to bid

HA!

How come you didn't do the one with Dolly Parton singing? you could've killed two stones with one bird.

By the way, Smokey's dead. See below:

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

I agree with most of that and most of what you say is dead on. One issue is the shear amount of jets that need to replaced in the next 20 years. Buying 737's etc now is a good first move. That is four years of replacement in the scheme of things, no growth. WRT to WB jets buying used 777's or 330's is a must at a min.

Originally Posted by alfaromeo

...Delta is de-risking our business and producing a model that can generate consistent profits, which by the way will fund contract improvements. Part of this new rationality will be the lack of the explosive growth followed by furlough models we have seen.

Originally Posted by nyc7erb

If you really want to know what you're worth, take a look at what 'other' professions are paying. For instance, starting pay for ass't brand manager at Procter and Gamble is 130K per year (that's pretty much out of college folks). I also have a friend who sells Oreos to supermarkets and makes 160k per year. He drives around and sets up end of aisle displays...and takes Fridays off.

Its a joke what pilots are working for now and I wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting to make it a career. Especially when you look around and see what others with lesser skillsets are bringing home.

I don't think management could care less about the 'quality' of their pilots. They just want warm bodies who will tow the line. As someone said, technology can make up for a lot of shortfalls. Of course management will tell you that you are the best and brightest etc. etc. etc. , as pilots love to have thier egos stroked. But in the real world, this profession has bottomed out and the prospects don't look great for a rebound anytime soon.

Originally Posted by Delta1067

BS! You are totally out of touch with reality if you think $60K-$100K jobs are a dime a dozen out there. You would be very hard pressed to find a $75K+ year job that you are qualified for if you were to hit the street job hunting.

Originally Posted by tsquare

Exactly true....

Originally Posted by Jesse

You have no other options in life. You are locked into this job and must stay with it no matter what they pay you.

Personally, not my experience. I could get a job that pays just over $100k if I wanted to, but I like my QOL here right now. Three years ago? Not so much; hence the PLOA.