There will never be a shortage of qualified pilots. I know dozens of "qualified pilots".. just not dozen of guys willing to work for peanuts and poor workrules.

By shifting from 50s to more 76s on the Delta Side, they have given their DCI carriers an extension with regards to pilot numbers.

On top of that, allowing your (Delta) reserves to work more during the busy summer months, you have helped the company with regards to staffing.
Anyone wanna bet that Delta Does NOT Hire this year?

And when do those 717's show up? sometime in 2013?

Motch