Originally Posted by Ham Phisted
Yes, the 747 and 767 will be phased out but they are being replaced by 380s, 777s and 787s.
I think you are missing the point of some of the posters here.
What they are eluding to, is what will happen when a fleet is downsized/removed. Can the employer then make the outgoing fleet pilots redundant and directly recruit pilots on to the new fleet. Thus removing the more expensive (based on years of service) existing pilots, to recruit cheaper direct entry pilots.
One would think theoretically - not BUT if it can be argued that the existing pilots no longer have the relevant type rating on the new aircraft, then by virtue that they are not qualified to fly the new type, they become surplus to requirements, unless they get the type rating themselves.
The Unions will be brought in to consult about mitigating positions but if the intention of the employer is to start stripping out the seniority list of the more expensive staff, then I would imagine there is little that the Unions can do. Even if the 6 month recruitment window of compulsary redundant staff was enforced, if the Company was sufficiently over crewed to be able to maintain the flying programme for 6 months, it would negate this possible recall option of the displaced staff.
This is becoming a hot potato and the possibilities for the penny pinching bean counters are just coming to light. With WW and a crack team spending their days just thinking up new ways to reduce costs, these sort of discussion are going to become more and more prevalent and Unions are going to have to up their defense teams with equally sharp minds to remain one step ahead!