Originally Posted by
Kingairguy200
Probably leaning towards the “common type”. I would imagine bringing in more 7/9’s would be the simplest and most cost effective.
There’s 11 CA/PQ tails at Skywest around the same vintage as the first batch of 900s, and I think 13 Atmospheres. Those could all be added to EDV offsetting the 200s while keeping roughly the same pilot group size, and no adding the cost or inefficiencies of a separate ERJ category. It makes sense to put all the Delta-owned CRJs at one shop for the time being, and helps pilot schedules down the line, with more potential trips to build, rather than split flying between separate two class fleets.
Ultimately I think the 700 will go and possibly be replaced by either 70 seat 175s or possibly 900 conversions. I believe that some of the 900s can receive the Atmosphere retrofit. There’s what, two dozen 700s in DCI? With Delta scrapping small fleets, those are ripe for the picking once heavy checks come around.