I would hardly say things are "bad" at ExpressJet. The thing is, the future isn't secure per say as it was a few years ago when we provided exclusive feed for CAL at a guaranteed profit. Granted, 75% of our fleet is STILL in the CAL system generating that guaranteed profit.

A couple things, the stock price is low. Although it has little to do with the actual health of a company, it is generally regarded as a bad sign. We are operating in an extremely competitive LCC market that management has to be able to adapt quickly to regarding market demands. IE, recognize routes that are not making money and constantly looking for new ones and reallocating assets promptly. We have an expensive pilot contract, which can make it difficult to secure additional feed from other legacies when there are carriers out there that can do it cheaper, regardless of quality. The DAL thing came because of "most favored nation" with CAL as well as operating some aircraft on a pro rate type of deal. There are no plans (as of yet) to acquire larger aircraft with lower CASM's. It's no secret, the 50 seat market is saturated. Granted, the 50 seater is part of the business plane to stay under the radar of SW, etc. But again, as far as acquiring new partners to fly for, it can make it difficult to get additional flying with ONLY 50 seat equipment, reference the F9 deal we could have secured last year that went to RAH. Granted, there were some other things at play. But if we had 70 seat aircraft, we more than likely would have that flying.

As far as the original posters question goes, there is a saying that most would agree, and some don't. Everything is relative.

The worst major is still better than the best regional.