Originally Posted by
UGBSM
No argument there. But in spite of recent changes, I just don't see the impetus for Delta to merge with any of these regional airlines.
I see your desire. I see the RJ (and RJDC) pilot's wishes. I just don't see Delta's impetus.
The economic forces to compel them obviously aren't there. It's still preferable to hire from a mixture of regional and military pilots on the market than to pursue corporate mergers with contract carriers. I don't see a "pilot shortage" changing that.
PMFJI
Judging by your position you have been in the industry for a while. How much change have you seen in the industry the last 20 years? You don't think the economics forces are changing? It appears the industry is about to be turned on its head the next 5 years, it might not force mergers but it will force massive change. There is no way around it. Anything airlines can do to keep their planes in the air and labor cheap they will try, flows, mergers, hybrid-mergers, preferential interviews. One end game scenario is massive consolidation. If you can't keep planes in the air and passengers moving then the economic forces will force their hand one way or another. Those economic forces you references are quickly changing and those changes have only just begun.