Kaptin M
If the operator has 100 crews
2 Pilots at 160K/100K = $26 million per year
2 Pilots at 90k/40K = $13 million per year
The savings can be seen to be insignificant on a per ticket basis, but at the end of the year the profit is $13 million better.
When the savings are applied to engineers, ground support and cabin crew the numbers just get bigger.
If the airline could save 1 cent per litre on jet fuel the savings per flight would be very small. Multipy by the fuel used in the year and it's plenty. I am sorry but I think legacy conditions are in the gunsights of airline management. The unions are powerless because airlines can start up new carriers to lower costs and get around legacy conditions.
Australian Airlines
Freedom Air
Pacific blue (To lower legacy Virgin Blue conditions!!!!!!!)