Why does the FAA impose hiring minimums on Part 135 IFR but not on Part 121?? Having ATP minimums for any pilot of a 121 carrier would do wonders for regional pay. When companies like Skywest, ExpressJet, Comair, Eagle Republic, etc... need to hire thousandsS of pilots, they could not lower minimums any lower than ATP. They would need to think of more creative ways of attracting pilots (raise pay, raise QOL, more out and back lines, whatever....)
I would be happy if the FAA imposed ATP minimums for any pilot of a 121 carrier.