Originally Posted by
Geardownflaps30
There was a time when being a "wholly owned subsidiary" meant something different than being a "contract carrier". Perhaps you
are too young or lacking in vocational experience to remember...
Many of you forget that this consolidation/shifting of flying amongst regional carriers has been ongoing for >10 yrs. Some of us that were caught up in the first rounds moved to a wholly owned for what was supposed to be stability. Many forget that there was a time where getting hired at a wholly owned was perceived to having attained the "Holy Grail" of regional jobs. But as I've said, many of you on these boards have been in this industry for too short of time to remember. It is shocking how many have not heard and do not know the history and likes of former regional carriers such as Skyway, Chicago Express, Atlantic Coast, etc to name but a few.
I agree that today though, it is virtually meaningless.
How do you get stability in a wholly-owned? That's probably the worst model, because the major partner can cut flying, park fleets, or outsource to another regional in an instant. How does that help?
Guy, OH was largest privately owned "Regional" carrier in the world before DL bought it (still not sure why) and screwed it up. It WAS a place to work and retire from. You'd surprised how many pilots retired from there after 15, 20, 25+ years in the line. It wrote its own ticket (per say) for a very long time, and was bigger than lots of the majors of this time (Airtran, Spirit, and I believe Jetblue). And at one time was hellbent on moving on up (to the east side) to "major" status by buying bigger aircrafts (757, 737 and others), and join the fray against the DL, US, AA, etc in this country. Btw, I believe after the purchase, there were 10-15 of the DL MD-88 that were fully purchased with OH assets (money) and for some years flew under the Comair Holdings registration. I jumpsat in a couple of those and got a kick by seeing the registration.
Please research it.....bet you it will surprise you.
Air Wisconsin was the oldest privately held regional airline until United screwed it up. Same story, 15, 20, 25+ year guys in the line. Now they're down to 70 CRJs with all senior pilots being forced a two leg commute from ATW to PHL/DCA.
Btw, I believe after the purchase, there were 10-15 of the DL MD-88 that were fully purchased with OH assets (money) and for some years flew under the Comair Holdings registration.
After the purchase, it's all Delta's money. On paper they can show whatever they want. Sure Comair probably made them money back then. And sure some of that money was funneled for purchasing MD80s, and even registered in Comair holdings. However, being wholly owned means wholly owned. Delta can show whatever profit or loss it wants, just as AMR has been doing at Eagle for years.