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On 2/12/2003 8:37:51 AM RJStud wrote: DAL will always make a greater profit when ASA and Comair do the flying because they do not have to share the profits with Chit, Skywest, ACA, etc. I know that a captain at Chit makes less money than an FO at ASA or Comair. If this is a better deal for DCI, then why isn't Chit doing all of the DCI flying?
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OK, let's clear these up one at a time:
First, as for profit sharing, DL stands to make a HUGE profit from CHQ, ACA, and SkyWest flying if the loads are managed well. Our flying is provided on a fee-per-departure basis, meaning that we're paid per completed flight, not per pax. The operating carrier is guaranteed a certain amount per leg, which always ensures us a reasonable, but not huge profit. If we have full planes and the seats are sold for a reasonable cost, then DL makes a killing, as everything over our set fee is DL's profit. If the plane is empty DL takes a bath. So as long as traffic is decent, life it grand for all involved.
Second, pilot pay. CHQ is currently in negotiations, and for comparison purposes we're a contract behind Comair. Still, our lowest paid captain on year 3 (we have none more junior than that) is making around $48.00. Please show me where any Comair FO is making more than that. Most of our CA's are making $60-$70. This is far too low, but is certainly more than any regional FO anywhere.
Third, please stop referring to us as Chit. A chit is a small square of fabric. We are an airline. I don't refer to Comair as Coma, or to ASA as Atla, or anything else like that. Please use CHQ, or if you feel the need to simply shorten, then at least Cha or Chat, as there is no "i" anywhere in "Chautauqua". Thanks.. ..CT