Originally Posted by
Shootinstr8
I think the number quoted was 2150 for the 205 covered aircraft under the CAL CPA. It also did not include the LAX flying or the charter ops that is going through review under due diligence. I don't think they are trying to throw away profitable venues. It appears they just want to get rid of the unprofitable "at-risk" flying. The number that comes to mind is the 31 branded jets. Also they said that if they were able to find flying for the 31 to 51 jets that was profitable they would pursue that. Just my take after listening to it twice.
That is how I read it too. 2150 pilots for the CAL CPA. Then Skywest is going to review the DAL flying, the charter ops, and the branded flying. I believe that because they are profitable, Skywest will allow the DAL flying and charter ops to continue (add in 300 more pilots). Then they will take a good long look at the branded flying and make a decision. Skywest has publicly stated they would like a branded operation in the past. However, I think that with oil at $130/barrel and only going higher, Skywest will probably (IMHO) shut down the branded flying.
The alternative is to stay independent where I believe that the charter operation will be shut down anyway.
I think many Expressjet pilots saw the 2150 pilots and went and panicked and starting hating on Skywest before reading and truly thinking out Skywest's offer. Do you think they will shut down profitable flying? (the DAL flying and the charter ops) I think Expressjet pilots are going to make out far better if Skywest acquires them than they think. Even if they shut down the branded, I think it is a much better option than staying independent (having the branded shut down soon anyway) and then losing the CAL flying.