Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that AWAC exercised an option to extend their contract under reduced rates in order to retain the business. This shows more of a sign of desperation and not one of strength in the 50 seat segment of the industry.

I have no idea of the motivation Delta had in signing Republic for another 5 years, but if I were them I might consider doing that in order to tie up a pool of pilots that could otherwise be cannibalized for a competitors 175 operation.

Don't get me wrong. I believe 50 seaters will hang around for a while longer, but they are obviously the most prone to being cut due to staffing issues or fuel spikes.