Originally Posted by
tsquare
Now THIS adds an interesting ingredient to the discussion. If what you say is true, then the scope hawks that are all chafed under their saddle blanket can relax because DAL will never buy all of the super duper large RJs that they are all worried about. After all, if our exclusive carrier is downgrading and backsliding, why would they need them? But what this agreement would appear to do is to start the process of exclusive arrangements with the rapidly dwindling regional airline industry. Don't want to be exclusive? See DAL vs Alaska......
The reason management is currently giving to explain the downgrades is the lack of qualified pilots applying to Endeavor. They have stated that Delta cannot execute their business plan with the current situation.
I think we are going to see each major identify a most favored nation/regional. They want to be able to say to a prospective pilot that if you want to work for Delta, United, or American you need to start out at our designated regional. I predict American will follow suit shortly but I think they will offer better terms. The chess game for new hires is here.