PLEASE STOP AND LISTEN!!! We can sit here and discuss this psycho-babble all we want; but the choice we make right now will dictate whether or not we are going to be 1 of the 2 or 3 regionals(IMHO,) that may survive the next 15 years! As of right now, we are sitting better than almost any "regional" carrier. We have economies of scale, a great management team, and mostly long-term CPA's with our mainline partners.
While I do agree that this in-fighting is very unproductive; I feel proud that most of us have some sense of brand loyalty, and are not giving up without a fight. What we need to do from this point on is to come up with a solution that is mutually agreeable. Of course it isn't going to be easy, considering differences in our current contracts, but I am pretty sure we can all agree that standing alone will NOT be an option! Yes, I am a L-ASA guy, but I came from a now defunct airline, and want to only see good things happen!
I am not sure of all the gory details from the current negotiations, due to a non-disclosure agreement, but from the rumblings around the way, L-XJET MEC is looking for around a 15% raise! Yes that is right! While most big time "regionals" are now bankrupt, and getting stuck with Judge imposed pay and work rules (just praying to be around in a year), we are asking for a super significant raise! None of this group is looking for concessions, but I feel we have to find a happy median to be competitive in today's market. "We" are ultimately our own worst enemy; and from what I have heard recently, it isn't going to end pretty if we stay on our current path and continue with the mentality of "we deserve the stars because we are soooo great."
Sorry for the rant; but I feel this thread needs a new direction!