Originally Posted by
WhenPigsFLy
The next major recession we will see one pilot group bend on 110 seat RJs and then the cats out of the bag. In Ak airlines case lttle to prevent this. Its means a large revenue boost and expansion. Also one of the ULCCs will get 110 seaters at rates a little better the top commuter with mainline rules.
Does it really matter how many seats are on RJ’s? I say this because its my belief that there will be no Regional airlines in the US in 10 years. We will be flying these aircraft or the flight will just be done with mainline aircraft. The top 5 airlines by size have approximately a combined 54,769 pilots, 23,285 of who are set to retire at age 65 during that 10 year period. According to numbers found here at airline pilot central there are approximately 20,472 current regional pilots. Those numbers are not sustainable for the majors and definitely not for the regionals. These numbers don’t take into account the other majors retirements, military pilots, or the pilots flying corporate. I want scope and will vote no on any contract that does not have industry standard scope. However it is my overall belief that there will be no more regionals in 10 years.