From the JP Morgan conference Ed Bastian essentially said the E190 is the MD88 replacement and they need more as the 88s retire in the next 3-5 years. He also said the C series required a significant engineering investment that Canadair is trying to recoup with a premium price and that the price was the obstacle to an otherwise significant step forward in development.

The floor on any aircraft pay rate has to be the 717 pay rate. I don't set the price of equipment, I set the price for the operators. There is 0 connection between pilot pay and acquiring the airplanes they operate. Why doesn't Delta make office workers new computers contingent upon their pay or new ramp equipment contingent upon ramp agents pay? BECAUSE THAT IS LUDICROUS!

Beware of the ploy especially if it is wide-bodies, some will see this as acceptable, SJS.