This seems to be the most plausible scenario to me. Sure, it doesn't make for juicy crew room gossip. But United just cannot afford to lose any regional lift at this time. It would allow Mesa to better staff the remaining Ejet operation.

Sorry folks...the rumors of Mesa shutting down or Johnny-O walking into the street and lying down in front of a street sweeper are just not true.

But both CommutAir and Mesa will have to incur training costs. Maybe United's going to help offset those costs?