There are a few of us on here.
F9 is currently very much in flux right now as we continue our transition into ULCC. The flux encompasses every facet of the business: our product, our culture, our people, our leadership, and our customers. You can feel it everywhere.
Many are optimistic about the future and looking forward to the success of this business model. Others are saddened by the loss of a truly beloved airline and slowly coming to grips with the fact that it is gone forever.
From a pilot's perspective, right now things are just "OK" IMO. Our contract and works rules are decent enough, though there is always room for improvement. We are currently the lowest- paid Airbus operators in the US, largely due to 3 rounds of concessions we took in BK. First year pay is abysmal. We have several scheduled pay snap- backs for the next few years until our contract becomes amendable in 2017. We believe we have a good case for significant improvements in the new contract, but no one expects it to be easy to get them.
Many new hires are getting DEN right away, but I believe the wheels are in motion for it to shrink to the point where there will eventually be displacements to ORD or a base to the east that has yet to be announced.
Everyone expects an East coast base. PHL, IAD, ATL, MCO have all been mentioned, mostly by people with no real facts, so who knows...
In a nutshell, I would say this place is very much an experiment. I have been here 9+ years, upgraded this Summer, and am doing absolutely everything I can (including being here
), to get on somewhere that is more aligned with my values and family priorities. Many agree with my decision. Others look at me like I'm nuts!
Is it a smart move to come here, to stay here, or to move on? I dunno. Ask me again in 20 years!!!
I am not a spokesperson for F9 or anything else for that matter.
