NW/DL Fleet Ulilization Question

[145BOSS]

During the NW/DL merger, at what point did they start optimizing each others fleets through each others hubs? For example when did they start using the 744, A320 and 753 through ATL or the 763 and MD-80 through DTW?

I ask this because the UA/CO merger will be legally complete on October 1st. At that time will UA be able to operate the 744 in and out of IAH and EWR as long as the aircraft are flown by UA crews based in a UA base?

 

[nwaf16dude]

It started almost immediately after the date of corporate closure. I think ATL-HNL on the 744 was the first. A330's to Rome started pretty quickly as well. They referred to it as "cross-fleeting."

 

[ACL65PILOT]

It happened a few months after the merger was announced. It was called cross fleeting. The premerger crews operated their original jet but utilized the other airlines callsign. So that pax though it was DAL XXXX and ATC called them XXX.

The integration of policies and procedures took place over phases and after SOC we were able to fly together in short order. Operationally for pilots, our merger was complete almost a year ago. We fly together and break bread together. In the end we are all pilots and the subsequent bids have further mixed the groups.

It is a testament to the work done by the pilots, ALPA and airline managers. This merger for the most part was made to look like a non-event. Impressive to say the least. On top of it, premerger pilots on both sides are arguing about procedures and not fences et al.

 

[General Lee]

It happened a few months after the merger was announced. It was called cross fleeting. The premerger crews operated their original jet but utilized the other airlines callsign. So that pax though it was DAL XXXX and ATC called them XXX.

The integration of policies and procedures took place over phases and after SOC we were able to fly together in short order. Operationally for pilots, our merger was complete almost a year ago. We fly together and break bread together. In the end we are all pilots and the subsequent bids have further mixed the groups.

It is a testament to the work done by the pilots, ALPA and airline managers. This merger for the most part was made to look like a non-event. Impressive to say the least. On top of it, premerger pilots on both sides are arguing about procedures and not fences et al.

LM also did this to "ensure" expedited contract negotiations for the 2012 contract. Let's hope it WORKED....


Bye Bye--General Lee