[ . . . that Delta is reversing a decade of choices. Going back to purchasing ASA and Comair in 1999, the Comair strike in 2001, and promising to never let one regional partner get that large. Well, except for SkyWest. Now it looks like Delta is setting up Pinnacle to be the next ASA (sell it at a loss) ..[/QUOTE]

Times (decades of choices) change. Regional "seats flown" will increase as efficient airplanes like the 900 fly more traditional "major" routes. The cost per seat mile is much lower especially if the load factors are kept high.

IMHO Delta will no longer treat Pinnacle ( new name expected soon) as an "arms length contractor." They will "bring them into the fold" and emphasize their "Deltaness" rather then their separate identity.

Looking ahead five years there is a persistent forecast of a pilot shortage. Delta wants stability, control, (even motivation) among regional pilots who become a steady stream of well trained experienced pilots ready for movement to Major flying. I know it sounds like "motherhood, apple pie and the flag" but it's something for management to aim for.

Yes. I am an optimist on the future of "Pinnacle." Maybe we should have a "serious" thread on suggestions for a new name for Pinnacle.