Not chasing an upgrade. If choosing between Skywest and Mesa in the current environment, I'd choose Mesa. They're adding planes and Skywest has 90+ planes coming off contract in two years.

Mesa isn't that bad when you have a line. Reserve on the jet is running 1.5 - 2 years on the jet at Skywest.

Personally, I think Skywest is a better company to work for, but if a young pilot is looking to get his/her time and get out, Mesa is the better choice.