Delta pilots could, tomorrow, negotiate to take back all scope. 80% of 0 connection flying in ATL is 0. Everything is contractually compliant.

With this Pinnacle agreement, Delta pilots could attempt to negotiate to take back all scope. Delta would respond by saying "we have contractually agreed with another airline that they are allowed X number of Delta airplanes, we cannot violate that contract and give you your scope back. ALPA signed off on that contract."


Pinnacle's new deal is another, third party airline, signing a scope deal with Delta. Unlike regional outsourcing up til now, Pinnacle will officially own Delta flying. It will be "their" flying as much as Delta pilots' flying is "their" flying.