Its no mystery why Skywest does well. No its not because we are cheap. Its because we have a history of being able to step up when other regional fail to uphold there obligations.
Last September, Mesa couldn't cover IAH ER7 routes due to lack of pilots. UA asked Skywest to help. When Horizon had issues years ago with lack of pilots, Skywest was able to step in and cover there routes until Horizon could get proper staffing. It happens all the time, these are just a couple examples and unlikely any regional is going to tell there pilot group they had lost routes because of staffing.
Yes, Skywest is currently doing OK compared to other carriers. But, it's mainly on the ERJ side. Our 200 flying is in the toilet, just like everyone else.
I'm not confident that the 50 seat only carriers are going to weather this.
If it comes down to it ALPA will buckle on scope clause if it means saving jobs, especially under the current conditions. Atleast temporarily.
I was part of ALPA at one point at another carrier and post 911, they pretty well threw us under the bus when it came to the contract. Who's interest are they gonna protect? The 2% revenue from a regional pilots salary VS 2% of a legacy salary.
Let's not sugar coat it, doesn't matter what carrier you work for, the current flying climate gives the airlines the upper hand. Right now its short term damage control with log term planning being prepped in the background. This is "act of God" circumstances and as long as the carriers are getting what they want out of the union groups, they will be happy but when push comes to shove, they will break the contracts and chances are a judge will side with airline management.
In general it sucks to be working for an airline right now.