It had nothing to do with the 1998 strike which was at least partly over allowing mesaba to have 36 ARJs limited to 69 seats. CRJ-200s were limited to 44 seats except for some that were coupled to the mainline aircraft count that could be 50 seats. That was undone in bankruptcy, and newco was a major sticking point in the concessions negotiations. As it turns out, the newco (compass was the final name) planes have far more range and viability than the dc-9s they replaced.[/QUOTE]

Well Said 80knots!!!

The 76 seat jet is very capable. I would strike to get them back to mainline.