Of course a lot of that speculation on Pinnacle's growth is based on NWA keeping their head above water. And from what I've heard, there are a lot of ****ed off people at NWA (pilots, mechs, FAs, rampers). My own theory about the mass of hiring (no basis in fact, just pure speculation) is that NWA is ready to start dumping a bunch of the -9s and Pinnacle would be picking up the slack on the short/medium thin and high frequency routes that the -9 is used on now. This would require Pinnacle to pick up 70/90 seaters (and maybe even bigger?) to cover the capacity. Now, that will more than likely irritate some NWA pilots and FAs and I haven't heard too many big order announcements from Embraer or Bombardier for new RJs recently. So who knows? Is Pinnacle the rumored NewCo? I don't know. I just find it hard to belive that they are losing 400+ pilots this year (1/3 of their total pilot group )

Why would NWA do this? Look at how much cheaper it would be to fly those routes at Pinnacle prices! Also, those DC-9s have got to go some time. I am willing to bet they are a thorn in NWAs side right now from a fuel cost and maintenance cost standpoint and NWA can't wait to get rid of them. I guess the real question is, does NWA have the balls to try and pull this over on their labor groups? I don't think so.