Originally Posted by bored

The bottom line is this... the people who know haven't shared the future with us. All other talk is complete speculation. I've heard all the same rumors you're talking about, but they're just that... rumors.

Go with what we know... 36 900s, 17 200s and 49 Saabs. Until then, everything else is speculation. Try not to get so hung up on rumors and stick with FACTS. Certainly don't plan your career based on rumors and loose speculation by some wanna be know it alls.

Just to kill some of the rumors with facts:

- At the moment Airlinks cannot operate more than 90, 76 seat a/c. That leaves only 18 more to operate. After the merger this could likely change. We could be capped at current levels, it may increase... who knows. NW/DL are in the drivers seat for this one.

- the 900s and 175s are not being operated to completely get rid of the DC9s. NWA is keeping a substantial amount around. They all seat between 100-125 seats. Even after the merger they'll be around and do you know how many MDs DL has? HUNDREDS! Think about it... do you really think the DL is going to replace their 100-140 seat a/c with 76 seat RJs? Further, the Cseries is going to be built to seat 110-130 seats, perfect for DC9 replacement. The Cseries will be used in a completely different market than the 175s/900s.

- LCAs are line pilots. Line pilots are usually the last to know anything of great importance. Other instructors might think they're in the know, but in the end, they're just speculating as well. If any earth shattering information is shared, it will come with a confidentiality agreement. Once again, those who REALLY know aren't talking, because they can't.