Originally Posted by seekingblue

correct. I forgot about EWR. I think they would want to try and make it a co-base (I don’t think any pilots want that). But I’m sure the company will try….

Originally Posted by BeatNavy

There was talk by Scott L (network/revenue/planning guy) pre-pandemic of possibly opening a new focus city in 3-5 years, but none of those cities. I’m sure covid has affected that though and haven’t heard anything else about it in a long time. Nothing I see points to a new focus city or crew base, at least in the short term. Focus seems to be on growing existing cities (NYC/BOS first for the NEA, then likely LAX, with some south Florida mixed in, then lastly MCO).

EWR possibly could be a crew base—but they will likely bargain for it to be included as a JFK co-base in the next section 6 first…or, if they renegotiate LOA13 based on the arbitration results, maybe try then too. I just don’t see them opening it right now as a separate base without a fight to get it included in JFK. LAS and RDU may have enough flights/overnights to justify a base in the next 5 years, but I’m not holding my breath for either. I’ve heard SFO tossed around, but I think if that ever happens it’d be a long way off (5-10 years?). Then there’s the rumor of AUS or BNA I’ve heard a few times, but I don’t see either happening anytime soon. So my answer: I’m not planning on any new crew bases in the next 5 years, outside of EWR being added as a co-base if the pilot group gives it away, or possibly as a new base altogether.

Regarding an AA merger rumor: there is always a B6 merger rumor. AA is the rumor du jour because of the NEA. I just don’t see the DOJ allowing a AA+B6 merger, unless possibly AA shrank significantly and went thru a bankruptcy first. Not impossible, but also not likely imo. I think AA/B6 each kind of has the best of both worlds for themselves as it stands with the NEA. A merger would cause more divestiture and large cost for integration, with a decade+ of merger related issues (look no further than current AA with their HP/L-US/L-AA integration). AA & B6 are already getting a lot of the benefit of a merger (network integration and FF base) without incurring the associated costs and having to streamline / convert / integrate products. The only B6 merger I see as possible is with Alaska…but even that doesn’t seem likely, at least not presently. I guess a merger with NK/F9 (or even breeze down the road) could be possible as well…but I see those as even less likely.

Originally Posted by SaintNick

with bna about to turn into a mini atl it needs to become a focus city fast. Jetblue has been so far behind everyone else in terms of adding service there.

Originally Posted by BeatNavy

Ha, which is exactly why I don’t think it will happen. Just like the missed AUS opportunity back in the day. I’m sure DL/AA/WN/Breeze will have BNA covered by the time B6 starts trying to build it up. But hey, at least we will take New Yorkers and Bostonians to BNA once a day on an E190. Maybe 2x a day with envoy or republic’s help

Originally Posted by panpanpan

Any word on how arbitration went?

Originally Posted by PotatoChip

I want a EWR co-base, and I know a lot of other pilots would also welcome it.
There at least 100+ pilots driving in from PA/NJ who all would have reduced drive times by 30-60 minutes and save literally well over $1000 on bridge tolls a year.

There are also a handful of pilots who have better commute options from their home on United into EWR.

Originally Posted by Ted Striker

I’m assuming everyone walked in, exchanged pleasantries, then the company presented exhibit A (our contract), then they proceeded to rip it up said contract and walk out. The union then concurred and asked for a total revamp of the flica color scheme. Thus completing arbitration.