Gearing up for Expansion/Bases/Jets???

[Sky_Conqueror]

Hi Guys!

I hope all is well and enjoying the young days of summer! I've been thinking alot about this ''burning''question I wanted to post to you guys. Would be great to have some different thoughts seen under different angles. I'm pretty sure that the answers will pretty much be what I predict. But nevertheless, its always good to have some great feedback from fellow pilots.


So as you guys might have noticed recently...yes there is aggressive hiring from Majors and regionals out there. And yes the trend is going to continue past the New Year. I am aware that many regionals have up to 4 interview slot days up til August and yes you guys will see more postings this summer for jobs. Yet...this thread will not reflect on this.

As we all know, there is a company on Toronto Island that flies Q400's everywhere in Eastern Canada. In the past few months, they have changed many of their recruiting tactics. Up to 2 years ago, they always maintained the standard Airline type entry level minimums of 3000TT+ plus. Starting in October of 2015, they lowered their minimums to 1000+. A few days later, they opened a job posting on their website stating minimums of 250TT+. A month later, they organized a Pilot Open House: where aspiring pilots/Commercial Pilots were welcomed to have a better idea of how to they operated. And also have a chance to meet the recruitment and management team. And finally, they further expanded the College partnership program with 5 of the best Ontario colleges that offer Aviation Diplomas.

Now...before anyone says anything...it doesn't require a High School Diploma to notice that ''maybe'', the switch in hiring policies are to prepare for something in the near future. To avoid certain bashers that are going to hit on the ''exodus'': yes...we already know that a few pilots will be going to SkyRegional (Because of PPC) and Air Canada / Transat / Sunwing. And yes upgrade times to captain could be a little longer (but this seems to change with this movement). But does this exodus justify such propaganda to get pilots? Air Georgian / Jazz / Encore are in the same boat or worst! Lets remember the deal that has been set up with Air Canada with the PMA. I have not seen such an aggressive campaign from the Express carriers to attract future pilots and current pilots. Although yes they are currently hiring alot.

A few articles came out this month about this company that could indicate the reason why they are ''ramping up''. First, although Billy Bishop's runway extension plans have been put on indefinite hold the Cseries letter of intent with Bombardier has not been cancelled. Before the end of this year, expansion plans regarding Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax will be revealed. And lastly Management indicated that a shift from Private to Public could be a mid-term goal (going public could attract a great number of different investors aiding the expansion). US Transborder customs will also be added to Billy Bishop as well.

So.................we all agree that lowering hours does not mean they will hire a guy with 900 hours. Its just to widen their pilot candidate bank. BUT.....as stated in a previous thread, I have a good friend that has way less than 2000+, Captain on a turboprop and has an interview date soon. Which proves that they have lowered the bar. This hiring transparency and high advertisement makes me think of the US and Middle East airlines that usually do big hiring spree when new aircraft were to be expected. With the recent articles subjects that are pointing directly to expansion, I just can't see why not. All the factors add up.

And lets push things even further...just for simulation and for fun. Let us all imagine that the expansion plans to Ottawa/Montreal/Halifax were in fact key cities to initially place a few jets. This could be another factor to recruit more Q400 guys.

Anyways...can't wait to see what you guys think! Cheers!

SkyConqueror

[Teeg]

so... do you want a job at the racoon airline? seems like you answered your own question.

you get hired by an Air Canada tier... and you wait for a mainline job
you get hired by WJE... and you wait for your WJ spot to come up
you get hired by Porter... and you wait for... well, nobody seems to know. Havent they been talking about this jet thing for a while now?
All the above jobs have the Q has a point of entry. For all said positions... you basically need an ATPL, an internal reference, and a good interview. Its not a space shuttle after all.

Join the blue and youll probably find out what the plans are.

[altiplano]

They lowered the minimums because it's getting harder to find pilots and keep pilots.

[Maxpwr]

.