Okay, so PNCL's Q400's are out the door, with United taking over the payments. (See Pinnacle's BK Declaration) The question on every frosted-tip, sunglass wearing, ipod listening to, regional FO is where.

Here is my theory...

Skywest is a likely suitor, but it does take a long time to get a training program AND proving runs completed.

CommutAir doesn't have a chance. Their owner is extremely greedy and they are SUCH a small operation with only 200 or so pilots. You are talking about a 160% increase in operations in 6 months. CommutAir is out.

Mesa has a Dash 8 training program with pretty low 70-seat wages. They could seriously take over this flying with a long-term deal and leases on the airplanes.

Republic is a small possibility.

Pinnacle. There is a good chance that these airplanes don't go anywhere. The BK declaration said that United and Pinnacle were in agreement on a long-term Q400 deal, however, Pinnacle could not submit a competetive bid for the business. If Pinnacle does (and they will) shed a bunch of labor costs via bankruptcy I think you could see a bankrupt PNCL submit a bid to keep these aircraft.