AOG,
I suspect most of the scenarios you mention are in play one place or another.
There is a school of thought saying that
airlines might hang on to pilots to keep them available as needed when a turnaround begins. Time will prove or dispel that line of reasoning.
For example, Delta is in the process of implementing a plan to keep on the payroll ~1,900+ pilots who'd otherwise be laid off Dec. 1st and pay them 30 hrs/mo until Jan. 1st, 2022. They can seek other employment but must return when called.
Laying them off in official furlough would give them contractual rights to bypass recall for up to 10 years which many might do, if otherwise employed, to let the dust settle and see what's happening before jumping into what might be another pit of quicksand.
Is this a good policy ? I have no idea...and neither does anyone else at this point.
Last edited by bafanguy; 16th Nov 2020 at 20:33.