Originally Posted by hal717200
No, I don't work for Hawaiian. I am a pilot training to become a professional pilot. I'm a big fan of HAL. I want to fly for them one day. I did a pilot career shadow with HAL when I was in high school (DC-9).
Hi there! Much like how you're training to become a pilot, I'm in college pursuing Air Transportation.
Of course I'd also love to work for HA right out of college, but Mesa's entrance is making me a little leery as to whether it is possible. At least I have the option of entering ATC if it doesn't all work out.
Originally Posted by hal717200
What bothers me the most about this Mesa-Hawaii venture is the impact on jobs. Hawaiian currently has 98 pilots still on furlough - the most junior captain being hired in 1987. Aloha has 30 pilots still on furlough - the most junior captain being hired in 2000. I was hoping that after bankruptcy the airlines would be able to start re-calling their pilots and eventually hire again.
IIRC, Hawaiian will be recalling some 767 pilots from furlough once the ex-Delta jets come online, but that's not going to be until at least the end of the year.
Originally Posted by hal717200
My life long dream was to stay in Hawaii and fly interisland for HAL or AAH. I want to work for a company that has deeply rooted its tradition in Hawaii. These airlines are very special to me.
Both Hawaiian and Aloha have a special place inside of me. Unfortunately, we all know that they will be up against some firece competition in the form of Mesa, who has a ton of financial capital available to remain competitive in the interisland market for some time.
Originally Posted by hal717200
I don't know a whole lot about Mesa. I've been trying to do some research on the internet about the company's history, lawsuits, working conditions, etc. So far, I am not impressed by Mesa. I'm just hoping for the best for HAL & AAH.
I'm not impressed by Mesa one bit. If the Mesa work ethic finds its way to Hawai'i (and let's hope not), they'll be doomed from the start, IMO. Depending on how the flight schedules work out (especially in HNL), you may end up seeing the same set of ground agents rampside and gateside working 3-4 flights simultaneously. I've seen and heard a lot of how Mesa pilots themselves were
loading luggage because the rampers were working on other flights.
Also at one outstation, I saw 2 people do everything, from ticketing to boarding to all the ramp work in trying to pull a 30 minute turn......the flight left late.
Here's to hoping for the best for Hawaiian and Aloha. We'll see if Mesa can sway some local residents to their side in the long run.