Let’s say at the most we are talking about is a combined $200-$300 an hour differential for flight crew cost....regional/major.... for a 75-100 seat jet. To effectively gain the difference the mainline carrier has to contract out to a regional carrier with it’s many layers of management and support staff in hopes that the regionals cost cutting tactics don’t affect the quality/safety of the product.... And to make matters worse the major and regional also get to compete in the labor market for qualified pilots, dispatchers and mechanics...
I’m not privy to the numbers but I think the smart bet is to buy/lease the aircraft hire the appropriate personnel and run your operation.....
For less than $.01 per available seat mile you can control your product and your labor flow...