I just read this article about slower growth at RAH. It seems like a good plan to slow down a bit since their growing pains seem to be pretty severe. How does everyone thing this 20% attrition rate is going to affect pilot hiring over the next year? And does anyone know how it compares to other regionals - like AWAC, SKW, PSA, Piedmont, any others anyone might have some insight into?

UPDATE 1-Republic Airways sees slower growth in 2007
Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:40 PM ET

(Adds details from call)


April 26 (Reuters) - Republic Airways Holdings Inc. <RJET.O> said higher-than-planned pilot attrition rates and mechanical challenges related to its CRJ fleet will results in a slow down in the airline holding company's growth plan for the rest of 2007.


In a conference call with analysts on Thursday, the company said it sees an additional $4 million to $5 million of pretax transition costs in its second quarter.


The company said these costs are related to additional training expense and decreased pretax profits associated with reduced revenue and non-productive aircraft costs.


Republic Airways said it now expects the third quarter to be hurt by $6 million to $7 million, and the fourth quarter by $1 million to $2 million.
The company experienced about 20 percent pilot attrition in the latest first quarter, and said if the attrition rate continues at that level, it could mean additional expenses of $4 million to $5 million, pretax, in calendar year 2008.


Shares of the company fell 8 percent to $21.69 in afternoon trade on the Nasdaq. (Reporting by Sreerupa Mitra in Bangalore)