The company dangled their carrot and AR took the bait. MG had one mission, to make it look like he was ready to get a deal done. He bluffed. AR reported it back as "things are moving" and pilots stayed put. MG got folks to stay during the summer busy season and now that we are approaching fall he is done.

HOWEVER. This tactic wont work long term. They will still need pilots for their growth plans. He only delayed for a bit, but now that attrition is about to spool up again we will be back in the same position come spring. He fooled a bunch this time. Will it work next time?