Originally Posted by
zondaracer
The last United Express E175s to go to Republic were purchased by United. Republic is now partially owned by United (and Delta, American, Embraer, and GE). SkyWest does operate over 2 dozen aircraft that are owned by the mainline partner (although it is a fraction of their overall fleet).
Originally Posted by
calmwinds
Those specific 12 at Mesa might not be coming back since they are on a 5 year CPA. But, the first 30 Ejet have CPA’s that are expiring starting next year.
If it isn’t obvious, it is better to own the aircraft than United since moving a CPA would include finding both pilots and airframes.
Yes they are, but I've been told those are also the planes that are sitting down off the 33's in IAH. There is at least 6 sitting there visible and I have heard they have up to 10-12 in total parked. The rumor I keep hearing is that the new planes could be yanked from Mesa and United is actively searching for a new operator for them.
Mesa right now is on a 6-7 month training period for new hires on the Ejet.
But absolutely, the regional owning the aircraft helps prevent the whipsaw from happening. However, I just think Republic is at the mass were they gladly take aircraft without having ownership of them if they can get a long enough contract for them.