Only 19 of our 62 EMB's are coming off line and they are being replaced by 22 RJ's; the schedule for those 19 EMB calls for a rather slow removal (after the first 4) so expect no real change in our hiring and staffing procedures. That leaves 43 on line and I’ve not seen nor heard any talks about additional removals. Yes we can’t keep them for ever but I don’t see them fully coming off line until we have a replacement and a codeshare to support the implementation.

As for getting the EMB, with your experience on the Saab I'd bet you have a 95+% chance of getting the CRJ. Although I recommend taking the first class that comes along, this could end up placing you ahead of many other pilots. Plus, on the Bro your seniority will increase much faster due to the fact that FO's jump to the RJ after 1 year. If you take the RJ, you constantly see ex-Bro pilot’s show up in front of you (knocking you out of a line if you’re on the bubble) on your domicile list until you reach the 1+ yr mark. I’m not trying to talk you into the EMB, just giving you food for thought when it comes to waiting for a later class. Take the seniority; by now you should know just how much it matters. When I first started on the EMB in KFAT I was around 40th in domicile and when I transitioned to the RJ 9 months later I was 3rd. A friend of mine went from 56th to 12th in less than 6 months in KFAT.

Best of luck & Happy New Year!