2 things. #1, I'm not freaking out, and #2, I'm not a pilot...yet.
I really hope this is where the industry is headed. I want to build my career and work up to the majors, and this will help my chances in the long run, even if getting the initial regional job is slightly more difficult.
Originally Posted by aerospacepilot
RJ's have a place. They are designed to serve smaller communities and less popular routes that cannot support a mainline jet (DEN-MRY, SFO-GEG, etc...) Without RJ's, many of these routes would not exist. But I really hope that mainline airlines start replacing RJ's on higher density routes (SFO-EUG, SFO-ONT, SMF-LAX, LAX-PHX, and BOS/JFK/LGA/EWR/IAD shuttle routes)
Almost forgot about LAX-PHX, that is a route that desperately needs to be mainline. Passengers have to choose between US Airways and Southwest, which have large, spacious mainline aircraft (well, mostly in the case of USA); and United Express with their small uncomfortable CRJs.
SFO-ONT was mainline, then nonexistant, then TED, then UEX. I was fortunate enough to fly the route on TED, before it was downsized.
As for the role of RJ's, United still doesn't appear to have a clue when it comes to LAX. They're opening RJ flights from LAX to AUS and DSM (I didn't know they had that range!). But, other airlines are using RJs for their intended purpose, and opening smaller cities like Santa Fe.