I think the recent NB purchase announcement and corresponding pullback in 50 seat flying is a very positive sign for CLE remaining a pilot base. It may not grow much in total flights, but it could certainly see much more mainline flying. Today there were 25 total UAL/UAX departures. Twelve of those flights were UAX, and all but four were to hubs. The four oddballs went to HHH, FLL, etc.

A few years back I was dumbfounded to see that we served CLE to BOS with 50 seaters while JB (and I think Spirit) served it with mainline. No wonder we cancelled that route… and of course DAL immediately added service. Now, with NBs coming for all my friends, we will be able to compete head to head on any route out of there. At least we’ll be able to serve all our hubs with mainline aircraft for starters. I’m saying there’s a chance….