Originally Posted by
XJT Pilot
Unfortunately your argument is flawed, Skywest Inc is making money even in the Obama economy. True, you are about the others. Skywest Inc is a monster, something like 7000 pilots and cash on hand. Also a better balance sheet compared to most airlines out there! Alliances, Regionals and Code Shares are the future of this industry, and that's not a good thing but fact!
Like most guys said the genie is out of the bottle. So now guys have a decision to make, stay at the regional or move on? I don't care what you guys say no buddy knows what's gonna happen in the next 10 years...no buddy!
This whole thing smells like a setup and were allowing it for cash and threats of BK.
Skywest is making money off long term ffd contracts they signed years ago. Those aren't being offered by Legacy's anymore. The Skywest CEO has been quoted saying that many regionals take flying contracts at a loss. That has made it very difficult lately for Skywest to compete. RAH is looking to dump Frontier, as they can't make money. ExpressJet is full of 230+ aging, fuel inefficient EMB135/145 aircraft, with no new aircraft on order. Skywest is taking a net loss of airframes as their 50 seaters get parked. ASA will lose 50 seaters too. Comair was shut down. Colgan was shut down. Pinnacle is BK. Mesa has no more 50 seat aircraft left(except their Go operation) Long term CPAs like the 10 year CAL/XE agreement are a thing of the past. Just look at what's happening. Most contracts signed now are for 5 years or less, & maintenance is no longer covered by the Legacy/Major.
I understand your constant hope and dreams of regionals taking over all domestic feed. It's how you justify your decision to stay at XE. But you need to look at the facts. Regionals are shrinking. The model is broken.