Chocks away that is a truly entertaining article!
Unfortunately most pilots don't want to stay in GA or regionals. That’s just the way it is and the way it will always be. With $1 fares this has to be the only industry that is continually going backwards. And SJS is basically the reason this continues to happen. Each time an old carrier folds a new one opens up with more and more aggressive Terms and Conditions. It’s nearly a competition to see how low they can set the bar.
Jetstar, Tiger and V Australia will crew every one of their jets regardless of whether you think it's right or wrong. They are in the business of making money and if they can save a dollar on T&C's they will. And now with the meltdown they have the perfect storm for long term minimalist cost bases. Eventually those pilots that were around when conditions were good will eventually retire and the standard will just keep moving down.
I do wonder where the bottom is though. At what point do the people with SJS say "nah that’s f@rked no way!"?
What is the solution? I don't think there is one. I guess most people will keep job hopping in the chance that they eventually will land in something half decent that won’t fold.
I think that eventually to get a decent job eventually most will have to work abroad. US, NZ and Australia will be places people get experience and leave.
Mark my word that if
VB fold (and i'm certainly hoping not) some outfit will open up offering those now unemployed a job on half of the
VB Terms and Conditions.