Its not news to me but the last 50 seat jet order was probably 2004. Most of what is happening was already going to happen because there are only 3 majors left and they each make 50B.

They are all scope chocked on large RJs, and there is no viable equipment for < large RJ

The small market was overdeveloped during a pilot surplus of the 90s and carried though post 9/11, so removing a surplus does not constitute a shortage.

All 3 majors have ordered hundreds of RJs over the last 10 years and none were props or 50 seaters.

They can easily restore those routes. The majors use RJs to supplement frequency on routes already served by them.

For example, RJs supplement CLT-ATL all they have to do is pull it off CLT-ATL and deploy it wherever they want, they don’t want to.

You are looking at a Covid pilot supply chain issue and rubber stamping shortage on top when you know full well the turboprop/50 seat market has been circling the drain since the big 3 merged.

There is 0 indication there was a ever a plan to replace 50 seat jets plane for plane upon them being retired after 20 plus years of service.

You are believing the narrative you want to.
American Airlines doesn’t serve Africa and now doesn’t serve DelRio Texas. You are trying to say one is a business decision and one is a shortage when they are both business decisions.

Regionals are not having any problems recruiting new pilots. They have a shortage of pilots with 1,000 121 to severe as CA, that is largely due to no one building time due to Covid.