Originally Posted by
SwaynesWorld
Delta's 717 program has been incredibly profitable and their 220s appear to be so as well. Why is United so averse to flying small jets in house? Outsourcing via FFD contracts such as SkyWest have certainly has worked for United, but so it has with Delta. Why avoid the 100 seat niche?
Kirby has said on numerous occasions that the economics simply don't work. Regional pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, ground crew, and everyone involved are cheaper than they are at mainline and so the costs can't be brought in line. Now, that's what he says and NOT what I believe is true as evidenced by the simple fact that Delta has chosen to bring them in house.