Originally Posted by
PackFan1
I’m talking about current regional operators who operate RJs at under 100 seats, Envoy, SkyWest, etc. If they paid their pilots at legacy rates, I’m not sure they would be able to exist in their current form. This would cause a major shift in the industry and likely push most of the flying back in house at the legacies/majors because where’s the cost advantage? Lots of small markets would lose service, will the tax payer still be on the hook for essential air service at twice the cost? Maybe. We’d probably see a reduction in regional airline jobs, whether that’s good or bad we can have that discussion. The DC-9 and -500 that hold 100-122 pax is substantially higher than a CRJ-200/E-175 that holds only 50-80 people.
They have substantially closed the gap which is excellent. I recently had a SkyWest check pilot on the jumpseat and he won't be making a jump anytime soon because with the overrides, he's making pretty close to what a captain at Southwest makes. Back in the day, we were targeting people like that - upgrade to captain, become a check airman, and now you can be competitive to get hired here. Now... they're making serious coin and offer a true career. Personally, I think it's a risk since they don't fly under their own code, but that's the business....
With respect to how many seats... that would be up to SWAPA. I will also vote NO on any SL's or TA's if it includes giving away any of our scope. In fact, I'm still pretty farking raw over allowing interisland Hawaii flying done by subcontractors even though we still do it. If our company wants to fly 175's, they can talk to SWAPA and hash out the rates, but it will be flown by pilots on our seniority list, not subcontractors. Look at the bright side.... as I said, ERJ170 type covers everything from 170 to 195 - a whole range of seats, configurations and options. The gauge of the metal they want to use is up to the company - same type rating.