Originally Posted by
Wings
I doubt anyone can do a major take over right now of AE flying, most airlines are scared they cant fill their classes for ATTRITION ALONE.
Add in the flighttime/duty time, and new 1500 hour rules, and I doubt someone can go out and get 1000 pilots (dont forget the training bubble of the new flying).
Expressjet wants to hire 600 just to cover their current flying.
That will not stop any regional from accepting a contract from AMR to perform flying. Regionals will bid on it, be awarded it, and then junior man, roll days off, offer 200% pay and whatever else it takes. I've seen it happen with Chautauqua and ExpressJet. They won't worry about whether they can staff it until after they've been awarded it.