I think we could handle two dozen more planes in the near future without much trouble, after that recruiting might have to step up its game. In that GAO study in February, they stated that "
11 of the 12 regional airlines we interviewed reported difficulties filling entry- level first-officer vacancies." I've been told Mesa was the 1 out of 12 that could.
I would a go a step further and say that Delta really, really, really doesn't like Mesa.
As for that, I've heard vague reference to this, but can someone fill me in on the bad blood?