Don't get me wrong... I like Compass. But, everything I've been hearing indicates that NWA isn't as happy with the EMB-170 fuel cost as they are about the CRJ-900 at Mesaba. Every flight, we ACARS all our fuel information to Northwest. That data is compiled and compared to Compass, since both carriers are operating 76-seat RJs. We're hearing that the CRJ-900 is about 20% more efficient on fuel across the board in those comparisons. Of course, the 900 is about 100% less comfortable for passengers and crew, but that doesn't matter much to management. I think with the DC-9 being retired, there will be enough flying to justify expanding both XJ and CP. But, with fuel prices the way they are, it will be interesting to see which of the two expands more. Of course, there are plenty of factors that could really screw things up. The whole merger thing could really complicate what everyone was previously expecting. Who knows...

I'm also curious if NWA/Delta will keep their order for Bombardier C-Series jets when they hit the market. Supposedly NWA has a big order in for those as well as the 787. Depending on whether they get C110s or C130s, that's a 99-125 seat airplane (mixed class), meaning that could have some affect on the 76-seat RJ flying at both Compass and Mesaba. 2013 isn't as far away as you may think, and the C-Series is supposed to be more efficient than anything we're flying now.