Originally Posted by
RockyBoy
I think the cost of a 717 from SWA is a lot less than the cost of an E-195. Who even knows when the C series will even be available? The 717 move was a lot smarter than a large E jet or C series order, even if we never get more than 88 of them.
Lots of old DCI flying being done with the other narrowbody fleets as well. I know the 319 is doing at least a dozen cities that were DCI 12 months ago.
You're going to need those extra planes in addition to the 717's. The regional game is up, and with AA/UAL hiring anyone with a pulse into their FFD setups, and Delta turning away military pilots at theirs, it's not hard to see where this is headed. Already, the increased strain on the system is hitting DAL this December as it scrambles to cover the additional flying.
When you fill out the PSA app, they call you in a few hours to setup your class date. Contrast that with the EtD.