The big difference in the rumor about United purchasing Xjet is that the rumor was repeated in Bloomberg News. If journalistic standards were followed, which I have no reason to doubt, this rumor would have required being confirmed by sources within Xjet or United management. No other regional has had this type of rumor published by the press.

With both American and Delta bringing their regional flying in-house, it is logical that United would consider the same thoughts. With Xjet being a “bad fit” for SKW, I would think SKW would gladly consider selling to United if the price was right. And, with Xjet becoming a United only carrier, a former United (Continential) wholly owned regional, and providing the bulk of the United flying out of IAH, I think Xjet makes for a good fit.

The two things I disagree with his analysis is the loss of time in the left seat that other non-wholly owned regionals are offering, and the loss of a flow to a major that the wholly owned regionals are offering.

So, for a pilot wanting to work for United ultimately, Xjet is worth a chance. Anywhere else, I would go to SKW on the CRJ where Delta and Southwest are devouring their pilots once they hit 1,000 TPIC.