Originally Posted by
Mesabah
The 50 seaters will be replaced with 76 seaters, and the 76 seaters will be replaced by mainline jets. This means DCI will likely be around 350 aircraft, or less by 2025. It's likely that DCI is reduced to only XJT, and Skywest due to their required presence in some markets. They have the government subsidized flying, and the ATL gates.
Just because a regional does some EAS flying doesn't mean they're immune from being cut by a mainline parter (see: Silver Airways and United). Best case scenario a pro rate deal may be agreed upon. Otherwise the airline may have to do it alone (again look at Silver).
Also, if you think Delta is going to let a few gates dictate their business model then you truly don't know Delta. Optimism is good but the scenario you mention is likely a pipe dream.