Embraer Snaps 3-Day Advance as Delta Said to Postpone Orders - Bloomberg

" Embraer SA (EMBR3), the world’s fourth- largest planemaker, fell for the first day in four after Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) deferred an order of 100 small narrow-body jets until 2012. "

Found that line somewhat interesting. At a glance I think this is a a good thing. Seems like the majority of big aircraft purchase orders over the last few years have been for ERJs and CRJs, so it's nice to see some Boeing metal on firm orders while RJ orders are delayed.

Manufacturer aside, delaying 100 seat aircraft orders until after the 2012 contract makes sense from management's standpoint, but scares me from a pilot's standpoint. I slowly see scope becoming a major issue in this next contract, seems as the the battlefield is being laid out as such.

Personally, anything proposal with a scope sale attached to it is a big no vote from me, but I'm sure there are those that think 100 seat flying is beneath them and not worth substantial contract improvements for the short term.

My one question is, how essential are 100 seat aircraft to the future of DAL's network coverage? Can DAL sustain it's capacity efficiently with 70 seaters bridging the gap to mainline 150 seaters? or will this leave a major efficiency gap in our system?

I welcome someone else's interpretation of the Tea Leaves, with a healthy smattering of some classy sideboob shots.