I do not have the NWA contract, but my understanding is that is says that any ADDITIONAL flying done by a wholly owned subsidiary, must be done by NWA pilots. The fact that the purchase of Mesaba was announced BEFORE the aircraft were assigned caused the problem. From what I have heard, it would not have been a violation if the aircraft were assigned before the purchase deal was signed.

Something for the lawyers to work out. It doesn't really impact any NWA furloughees since there are 72 aircraft that need to be crewed (36 at Mesaba and 36 at Compass). Obviously there are jobs for everyone, it is just a matter of seniority lists.