Permanent Position Information
The below staffing forecasts are based on the currently projected 2009 flying level and staffing assumptions and reflect the best information available at the time of publication.
747-400 (DTW)
The flying level in the fall of 2009 is expected to be at the peak summer levels which are higher than the current scheduled spring flying level. To facilitate the transition to DL scheduling and staffing rules, including the use of more CA augment, awards are planned in the CA position for the remaining months in 2009. As there is increased use of CA augment, the possibility of displacements off the FO continues. However the exact number of displacements off the FO position will depend on the number of bid outs from the FO position.
747-200 (ANC and MSP)
The scheduled cargo flying level is projected to be at a slightly lower level for the summer and the rest of 2009, compared to the current level. Some of the impact of the schedule reduction is offset by the military charter operations; however, this will result in small staffing surpluses in all three B747-200 positions. The possibility of some displacements remains from all three ANC blockholder positions, but will be dependent on planned retirements and bid out activity which is expected to minimize the need for displacements. Displacements from MSP positions are possible, depending on where pilots displace to from other fleets. Relative base sizes are expected to remain unchanged.
A330 (DTW, MSP and SEA)
The A330 fleet will experience a higher flying level in the summer compared to the spring level and this incremental flying is expected to continue into the fall of 2009. This increase is due to the scheduled increase in international flying during the summer season as well as due to DL cross-fleeted routes. Awards are planned in both the CA and FO positions to plan for future retirements, to prepare for the transition to DL scheduling and staffing rules, and to support the increased flying level. However, the number of awards is expected to be higher in the FO position compared to the CA position. Awards could occur to any of the three bases depending on bid outs and retirements.
757 (DTW and MSP)
Due to the shift of flying from the higher capacity narrowbody aircraft (B757) to the smaller capacity equipment (primarily DC9) to optimally meet customer demand and account for the slowing economy, there is a resultant increase in staffing surplus on the B757 and corresponding shortage on the DC9. To appropriately staff the DC9 fleet and reduce the surplus created on the 757 fleet, displacements off both the seats of the 757 are needed. The number of displacements off the FO position is expected to be higher than the number off the CA position; however the exact number of displacements would depend on the bid out activity from the seats. Relative base sizes are expected to remain unchanged.
A320 (DTW, MEM, and MSP)
Staffing requirements and the flying level peak on the A320 during the summer season, with a reduction in flying during the fall as DL scheduling and staffing rules are implemented. Overall staffing levels should remain unchanged, although some volume of displacements are likely, particularly in the FO position, as B757 pilots displace into the A320 and the A320 pilots are displaced to support the increased DC9 flying level. Actual numbers of displacements will be driven by the number of pilots displacing into the A320 fleet. Relative base sizes should remain unchanged.
DC9 (DTW, MEM, and MSP)
As there is a shift of flying into the smaller capacity equipment, there is expected to be an increase in the DC9 flying in the spring leading up to a high summer schedule. The incremental DC9 staffing requirements are expected to be funded by displacements from other aircrafts, although some award activity is likely in the CA position. Relative base sizes are expected to remain unchanged.
