Delta/Northwest research paper

[joe657]

I was wondering if anyone can help with my research project? In my research project I have to make a survey and ask 6 questions to pilots affected by the recent announcement of the merger between Delta and NorthWest airlines. If you answer them can you please give an explanation to each question. -thank you guys

1. Do you agree with the merger? (why or why not)
2. Are you concerned about your salaries and pensions?
3. Even though they said there will be no involuntary furlough, do you believe them?
4. Do you think the contracts between Delta pilots and NWA pilots are fair?
5. In the long run do you believe that this merger will be beneficial to the airline industry?
6. Since seniority is a big issue with mergers, do you think it will greatly affect your seniority?

 

[kellwolf]

I was wondering if anyone can help with my research project? In my research project I have to make a survey and ask 6 questions to pilots affected by the recent announcement of the merger between Delta and NorthWest airlines. If you answer them can you please give an explanation to each question. -thank you guys

While I don't work directly for either, I do work for a regional whose only contracts are with NWA and Delta, so I guess I'm "affected."

1. Do you agree with the merger? (why or why not)

This is a tough one. Honestly, consolidation NEEDS to happen for the industry to make it through. Delta/NWA actually makes the most sense of all the mergers out there when you look at route structure and, in some instances, fleet types. Hubs are probably gonna get shuffled, but we'll just have to wait and see how those cards fall. So, I guess the answer is "yes."

2. Are you concerned about your salaries and pensions?

Not really. Pinnacle's got a good service agreement with both that Wall Street seems to think will hold up during the merger. Besides that, it's out of my control. No use getting wrapped around the axle about things I can't control.

3. Even though they said there will be no involuntary furlough, do you believe them?

Initially, yeah. Delta's plan was to still hire guys this year. They're still taking delivery of planes. If it looks like they'll have to furlough, then they just won't hire anyone. Now, the real question is, will they offer VOLUNTARY furloughs.....

4. Do you think the contracts between Delta pilots and NWA pilots are fair?

As they stand right now, no. There is no contract between both the DAL and NWA pilots. They each still have their own deal with their own airlines. Time will tell what's going to happen, but I have a nasty feeling it's gonna be a bloodbath when it comes to seniority integration.

5. In the long run do you believe that this merger will be beneficial to the airline industry?

Yep.

6. Since seniority is a big issue with mergers, do you think it will greatly affect your seniority?

Right now, only slightly. The only way it will directly affect my seniority is fewer CAs will be leaving to go to the majors b/c of the slow down. Indirectly, that means I'm one of those CAs that won't be leaving. Since Delta is my #1 choice, I guess that means my seniority number will be a year or two later than it might have been.

 

[joe657]

thank you for your help kell wolf i really appreciate it!

 

[WalterSobchak]

I was wondering if anyone can help with my research project? In my research project I have to make a survey and ask 6 questions to pilots affected by the recent announcement of the merger between Delta and NorthWest airlines. If you answer them can you please give an explanation to each question. -thank you guys

1. Do you agree with the merger? (why or why not)

Not really, but the BOD will get there $ some way so its better than seeing it NWA parted out.

2. Are you concerned about your salaries and pensions?

Me, not really. Atleast the senior NWA pilots have pensions.

3. Even though they said there will be no involuntary furlough, do you believe them?

No.

4. Do you think the contracts between Delta pilots and NWA pilots are fair?

Not by a long shot. You take a more senior pilot group from a more profitable company and throw them under the bus so a few people can make a lot. This is going to be a sticking point.

5. In the long run do you believe that this merger will be beneficial to the airline industry?

If it gets rid of the inflation that was caused by 50 seat RJ's so be it.

6. Since seniority is a big issue with mergers, do you think it will greatly affect your seniority?

Yes. Having a flow through with NWA there were 9 people a month set leave which is obviously a good thing. I Would have flowed roughly in the fall of '09 if things went smoothly. Now there are less people leaving period and I'm glad atleast I have the chair that I do.