Today, I am writing to let you know that Delta has made
the difficult decision to cease Comair's operations
after September 29, 2012. Delta
recently announced its intent to reduce the overall
number of 50-seat regional jets in its network from
nearly 350 to 125 or fewer in light of the significant
changes in the economic and competitive conditions in
the airline industry.
We believed this announcement would have a
negative impact on Comair because we operate some of the
oldest 50-seat aircraft in the Delta Connection fleet,
which also have the highest unit cost per flight hour.
And, in fact, Delta has decided to remove the
remaining 16 Comair 50-seaters from the Delta network,
leaving Comair with only 28 aircraft in scheduled
service.
This further reduction of Comair's active fleet will
only create higher unit costs, which equates to a
business model that is no longer sustainable in this
competitive regional environment.
I
understand that today's news is very difficult and
raises many questions for you and your family.
Human Resources is prepared to directly assist
you during this time.
They will post a memo and other documents on the
Human Resources Epic page to keep you informed of the
assistance available and to help answer many of your
questions.
We will also have staff available over the weekend to
answer questions if needed.
If after reviewing the information on Epic you
have any additional questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to reach out to your departmental leadership as
well.
The discontinuation of Comair's operations is in no way
a failure or a reflection of your work – it is an
unfortunate necessity due to the economic limitations of
our aging aircraft, cost structure, the long-term
outlook for 50-seat aircraft, and our challenging
industry and economy.
The quality of our operations has continued to be
outstanding during our lengthy restructuring efforts,
and I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead
such a committed team.
I am asking that each of you recognize the
importance of remaining focused on safety and the job at
hand as we continue operations throughout the wind-down
period. Your
continued commitment and your dedication to a safe and
reliable operation is a testament to the professional
team we have built here at Comair.
General Chairman Jim Samuel of the International
Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
said “Our Comair mechanics are all veteran employees.
They care about this airline. Delta should recognize
that Comair is a quality carrier and its employees
deserve to be treated better.”
“Instead of utilizing its own feeder carrier, Delta
chose to cannibalize itself in its continual
cost-cutting pursuit,” said President of District 142
Tom Higginbotham. “With Delta, it’s not about people;
it’s about padding their profit margins.”
IAM District 142 has vowed to push for severance, job
opportunities, flight benefits and reimbursement of
unused vacation and sick leave. Comair IAM members will
also have access to the IAM’s Community and Members
Service Committees to provide transition assistance.
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