Originally Posted by
2StgTurbine
Others could, but they would have to prove to United that they are on the verge of bankruptcy which would cause their stock to drop.
Colgan is in a unique situation because they are the only large Q400 operator. It would take a lot of time and money to start a new Q400 operation at another carrier (or expand their current one). Also, I doubt any carrier would match our current price. If a CRJ or 145 operator tries to get more money from United, it would not be too difficult for United to give that flying to another RJ operator.
In the end it does not matter. Our fate was decided a long time ago and nothing we can do can change the outcome. In the end we lose. SM is not going to surprise us and announce he was joking and we are getting 15 more Qs and everything will be fine. If we do get more aircraft I am sure it will come with some sucker-punch to offset any possible positive outcome for the pilot group. Remember, management has a lot more control than us and they nearly always get what they want. A win for any pilot group is usually just maintain the status quo, or an outcome that ends up being slightly better than it could have been. We mare merely pawns fighting a lopsided battle.
That's a good point...and who's to say if United and Pinnacle renegotiated the terms of the contract, that the details would be released? (Do they have to be released?) I've heard that we turned down delivery of more Q's a little ways back because we didn't have the staffing for it...now if United and Colgan came to an agreement where the Saabs were parked, we might be better able to handle more Q deliveries? You're right though, whatever happens will happen. Either way...gotta do something in the crashpad...might as well kick the can and crack another Natty Lite!