Originally Posted by
georgetg
Here's my take:
This has always been awin-win deal, the gates add a new element.
Take the 20 Boeing 717, add the Guadeloupe Holdings (Airtran) 717 and that's the DC-9 replacement fleet. A 3:1 swap for 717/737 always seemed the most equitable way to swap. I imagine the DC-9s accelerated retirement keeps GK happy about not helping a competitor grow with a 2:1 advantage...
As exciting as all this might be, I'm wondering where that leaves the DAL pilot when the dust settles. Will this deal be staffing positive?
Cheers
George
Well, we had 16 MD90's and we will be up to 58 MD90's soon. We parked the 30/40's so once the -50's are parked that's 68 airplanes parked. But we gained 42 MD90's and if we received the 717's I think we are in a positive staffing situation.