It means nothing more than we are buying our regional jets. We already own Mesas fleet of 175's and maybe a few of the SkyWest 175's. I think United owns close to 100 175s with this anouncement.

It makes sense to buy the RJs, if a regional folds, can't staff or goes bankrupt and demands higher prices from United, we can reposes the jets and move them elsewhere. Maybe even mainline.

All 3 airlines lost their shirts when Republic went bankrupt. RAH owned the jets that they needed and bent them over for more money in court. Lesson learned maybe? Just my theory.