Originally Posted by
Poprocket
I was under the impression that the 717s were part of a fleet modernization plan, replacing old 9's and 88s, and as a result, a minimal change in pilot numbers. But hey, the more jobs the merrier!!
The 717s are to replace lift of the DC-9s (17 left) and CRJs being parked. Mainline fleet count is now ~720 and with the delivery of the 717s, the mainline fleet is planned to go to 796. That's quite a few more pilot positions and 20 airplanes more than DL/NW combined had premerger.
Here's to some relief from the pain, stagnation, and otherwise craphole that the state of things are now.