I imagine they did, but career expectations are not defined at some random high water mark in the 1990s but at the point of the merger in 2010. At that time United was not profitable and did not have a fleet of extensive single aisle jets. After selling its 737s to reduce costs and infuse much-needed cash, it was selling or hocking every spare bolt and was borrowing money at 18% rates because of its financial risk.

On 10/29/09 "United President John Tague told employees in a memo that getting rid of the 737 would "dramatically simplify our fleet and reduce our maintenance liability, significantly cutting the future investment required to maintain a modern fleet at United Airlines.""