Originally Posted by Spoiler

Excellent Synopsis
I would add - Chataqua was using Express Jet's aircraft against them by bidding directly with CAL with those planes. Ream correctly saw through the scam and exercised the first right of refusal and kept the aircraft. Branded was intended to offset the cost of the planes. The only mistake in that decision was the horrendous paint job. The paint shop was in SHV so maybe the designer came from the Big Easy.