Originally Posted by
ElCaribe
This is a true point. Delta’s contract with Skywest stipulates that they cannot fly >76 seats for a competIng carrier. I believe Rick is saying aircraft of that nature will be easier for mainline Alaska pilots to negotiate ownership of from Horizon as opposed to a non-wholly owned regional contractor such as Skywest.
Yes, if OO buys the planes (they usually do, but not always), then they would require a lengthy contract to minimize tail risk (post-contract mortgage obligations). In order to get out of such a contract early would require huge penalties.
With QX, airgroup ultimately owns it all, so they could transfer the planes (and flow the pilots) with minimal fuss.
Unlikely OO would fly them anyway, due to scope with other partners (unless the BK judges take care of that for them).