Originally Posted by
Wingtips
That thinking is VERY unrealistic.
For one mainline airlines can not stop mergers of regional airlines. If Skywest and Republic wanted to merge, nothing could stop that. Just like AA would not hesitate the next day to sell Eagle to Pinnacle. You literally could operate all the RJ airlines as they are now, but under 2 or 3 owners. This would greatly limit the whipsaw.
Without someone to feed, regionals wither and die. Some have tried to be stand alone and have failed. Thus, why would major carriers WANT a feeder scenario in this country that gives more leverage to regionals and their pilots when it would just cost them more ?
Now THAT is unrealistic.
Originally Posted by
Wingtips
If you think regional pay is going down anymore your nuts!! Republic just busted their contract and gave all the FOs a 5 dollar raise. The ATP rule just really mixed things up for the airlines.
You think AMR is going to give you a raise ?
Buddy, they're not only NOT going to do that, you're going to be flying more seats for less. They'll be pocketing all the profit. RAH's move is a last act of desperation. Sure, they can try, but don't expect pilots from other regionals pounding their doors down or guys switching majors in college for another $5/hour to be treated like crap.
This blows past unrealistic, to delusional.