I disagree with buddies 8 in that we are going to see the death of the regional industry, definitely NOT larger RJs. Delta has already begun sending A319s and maddogs to places like CHA, TRI, AGS, MGM that used to be ASA turboprop or 50 seat RJ cities.

I agree however on the ALPA conspiracy. Lee Moak is no friend of RJs. Mainline ALPA failed to hold the line on scope, allowing more 76 seaters, so ALPA's next move is to choke the regional industry until it dies, then replace all the flying with mainline. This has been their goal for several years now.

I believe in several years, after the regionals are gone and mainline can't get pilots, only then will the FAA back away from the 1500 hour rule. Political pressure won't let them bend for the regionals. But if every single regional pilot gets a gob at mainline, they'll have enough pilots for the next 7-10 years.

And make no mistake, mainlines will be shrinking too. They will eventually drop these third tier 50 seat cities within two hours of a larger city, that aren't profitable with mainline equipment.