I’ve worked at 2 other regionals, and charter. Yes at this point in time Republic is better then those places. Airlines have unions, because most airline managers put profits before their people. Republic is one of these, and in recent memory was probably one of the worst. The only reason “culture change” happened, was because we couldn’t fill our classes. Management did not have an epiphany about the way they were treating their employees, they simply made a business decision. LIFT was also a business decision, which benefits the company. They (upper management) love the idea of LIFT, because it reduces the impact of the pilot shortage, which reduces the leverage of the pilot group (union).

Republic will survive, because they are profitable, and who doesn’t love money. We pick up excess flying monthly, because other carriers can’t cover their flying. I expect Republic will have an IPO within 12-18 months. After that my concern would be AA moving flying to the WOs. AA is currently out largest FFD partner.