@Bankruptcy concerns. So were U.S Air & AMR & UAL, and a bunch of regionals. Some absorbed. But overall the industry is still afloat.
All look rosey now, but like the shooting today @ DFW Love Field reminds me, it only takes one major terror act. One grave Russian, Chinese, or North Korean agression. One Economic downturn which we are technically due for.
Majors will slow hiring or shrink capacity... I dnt expect this industry to be rosy for the next 10yrs.
I'm looking @ long term contracts & flying, Capt pay @ the 12 - 20yrs marker just in case i get stuck (i dont have a crystal ball). So position my self for long term happiness. Base options, QOL, a safe and enjoyable aircraft to operate, great office space and comfort should be important also.
Some peoplw get hyper to hopefully fly a 777 or 747 or B767 or A300, or a Gulfstream... but people can't get excited and hyper to fly the newer E-170/175/190/195, or CRJ 900 vs a Puddle jumper or Dash 8 or Emb120? Thinking of words that flow with FOH comes to mind. (Love Emb120 ans Sabb BTW, but how does that make me marketable longterm if i want to fly for an international carrier? Hell even if it is domestic! Who cares! Go where-ever makes me happy & fly what U want to fly if it is available. Just don't stab other pilot groups in the process! Its a Job. Show me the money. If your offering it to fly something better & more enjoyable i'll take it! I have worked plenty hard jobs in my life time. Started from the absolute dirt bottom! Long tough road to where I am in life.
Things are different this day & age from what I see compared to 10yrs ago. I gladly accept the new reality of the industy. Iwant the NEWEST SHINNY DEVICE. So be it, but why shouldn't I??? I'm not a 21yr old, did not get mom & daddy's help. I'm just passing the mid 30's checkpoint now. I respect the journey.
I'd still love to get my hands on a 787 dreamliner. As along as I get paid adequately. There is a difference this time around vs SJS of the past. Pay/liviable income at the regionals are looking better
(with the exception of Mesa Airlines)
I can't believe the complaints i hear this day & age from pilots dogging other pilots who want to fly newer & bigger regional aircrafts like the EJet, or talk crap about pilots who seek fast upgrade. It's laughable! Do what makes you happy, or what you think is best for your future and family
[B]@mile_hi[/B] ...