Source: Dear AFA

Last week placement of the 737-900 aircraft (73B) into service at the United subsidiary was advanced sooner than originally scheduled.  Initially the 73B was planned for inclusion in the November 2013 schedule, but management decided to use the aircraft as a "spare" for the last two days of September and the full month of October.

These aircraft are specifically identified in company systems as a 73B aircraft, this unique aircraft "subfleet" is assigned specifically to s-UA.  Remember, the 73B aircraft will be staffed exclusively by United Flight Attendants, and considered "United metal" for the purposes of our Agreements.  For deadheading and CJA purposes, United Flight Attendants take priority on our own metal.

Given the recent pilot agreement, in the near term Continental pilots will be flying these aircraft with United Flight Attendants.  At some point in the future, there could be mixed United and Continental pilot crews as additional pilots "both United and Continental" become qualified on the aircraft.

Because this first 73B aircraft is being used as a "spare," none of the IDs pre-built for October schedule contain this equipment, so no 73B flying has been "assigned" in the key pages, but may show up as a replacement aircraft in the operation.  Keep in mind that only those Flight Attendants qualified on the 73B will be eligible for Trip Trades or Open Flying requests that include this equipment.  Also keep in mind that any Reserves who are not qualified on the 73B will be bypassed for any assignment, which includes this equipment during the month of October.

For the month of November, you may be awarded a line which contains 73B IDs even if you are not equipment qualified.  It is the responsibility of each Flight Attendant to get equipment qualified before departure of the first ID of the month or be removed without pay.