AWAC is transitioning to AQP as we speak. AA management is trying to cut out their entire pilot's contract for bankruptcy restructuring. Who is cutting corners there? The entire industry is riddled with unsafe practices. You can blame management, but in reality you can't blame regional management (who I loathe) because they are simply trying to secure flying for the major counterpart. It is the major airline who demands low cost, outsources, and then complains about the safety of the regionals. It's unbelievably hypocritical.

The bottom line is that major airline upper management is ultimately responsible right now for the poorer safety record at many regionals. Moreover, it will continue to get worse considering the current trend.