ExpressJet has lost over 1000 pilots since the DAL announcement and the losses accelerated the last few months again as places like Kalitta have stepped in. Best case, they get the -175’s and swing a home run with a UAL purchase you’re talking maybe 30 pilots a month thy can be hired. Heck, double it to 60 a month. That’s over a year to train as many pilots as have been lost. UAL piddled too long.
I hope I’m wrong, but my guess is that UAL is putting off the announcement because XJT will be the loser in the CBA bid. Management will feed some BS that a deal was close (again), but blame _______ for the failure to get it. Ownership by Inc won’t change and anyone able to do so will hit the lifeboats except for those with a CPP within reach.
It’s the same thing that has happened for several years.