Originally Posted by
Southern Fried
From my perspective (15+ year captain) this is just more restructuring which is typical of Delta. I think the Delta side could see more dual class a/c. If you want to live in a Delta base as a regional pilot, plan on many changes in fleet count and base size.
As for the ERJ side, only the top level execs of Skywest/Expressjet know what the long range plan is. It will be reduced to around 100 a/c by the end of 2017, with expected further reductions in 2018. No current talk of dual class a/c for the ERJ side. Pretty gloomy picture for both sides to be honest.
One other factor to consider: the Expressjet pilots will be entering negotiations for another try at a new contract in Oct 2017. Over the next year you will hear alot of doom and gloom and expectation management from our company leadership teams (Skywest and Expressjet). Every message from our leadership has some sort of expectation management in it. Don't expect much if any good news over the next year.
As an Endeavor guy (that started out rooming with Comair guys when I was first hired), I know your pain. Best bet is if you have even a few years left before retirement, get out early, don't be the junior Comair guys that rode that into the ground. All signs on this side have pointed to a short term take over of ATL 200 flying as SkyWest has no interest in continuing the 50 seat product anywhere. We are being told here that our 50 seaters are short term... likely gone by the end of 2018 for what it's worth.