The GMA "Pilot Briefing"

[Dragon69]

If seniority didn't exist we would all be screwed. Let me give you a reality check. Having 20k hours doesn't mean you're going go waltz into another job, ask me how I know. Experience has become meaningless. All a company cares is if you meet the minimum qualifications or experience level that they've set. Furthermore there are plenty of companies out there that are hiring direct entry captains, so don't blame seniority.

[Dan Winterland]

Furthermore there are plenty of companies out there that are hiring direct entry captains,

....which indicates seniority is in decline. The LoCos, ME3 and the contract agencies who don't use seniority are all on the rise. Only legacy carriers have it now. The seniority model is being marginalised as pilots are more willing to relocate. Seniority is liked by companies such as CX as it keeps pilots in the job and prevents them from moving. It stifles pay and conditions. But the market is changing rapidly.

[Dragon69]

Pilots have always been willing to relocate, this is not something new.

The direct entry captain position is out of necessity for some airlines as they can't upgrade from within. Most carriers to my knowledge still keep a seniorith system from within even if they had to hire direct entry captains, wich means you'll still be sitting at the bottom when it comes to roster bids and type and/or base transfer.

Also no airline will hire a direct entry captain unless you have any PIC time. So how do you propose a fair unbiased system that allows senior FOs to be promoted with no seniority in place?

[Captain Dart]

How about who you drink with, who you are golfing buddies with or how much cash you slip into your licence when you present it to the check captain?

Like capitalism, seniority has its faults but like it or not it’s the only system that sorta works.

[Dan Winterland]

So how do you propose a fair unbiased system that allows senior FOs to be promoted with no seniority in place?

Are you saying seniority based systems are fair and unbiased? They aren't always. prejudice and favour will creep into even the most rigorous system.

And what do I propose to replace it? Nothing! I have a great deal of seniority - therefore I'm for it. I was merely pointing out that it is becoming less important. Pilots with experience have greater mobility now. Pilot employment is controlled by market forces - and the market is changing. The common trend is changing to pilots paying for their training and rating with a LoCo, getting their command, getting some experience and then joining the charter market.