Originally Posted by
djrogs03
So it seems like lately I keep hearing everyone say we are getting the additional 36 900's...I even heard this 2 days before my checkride from an LCA (March 11). But then I hear people say well we can't get the additional 36 because of a scope clause. But then I hear people say well we can't get them till we merge with Delta...blah blah blah. What's the story...
Is the 36 RJ's and all or nothing deal too...
So let's go out on a limb here and say we do get the additional 36 to put in place the phase out of the DC-9 and Delta's MD's, about two weeks ago it was reported that Delta was interested in being the US launch customer for the Bombardier C-Series. What's gunna happen to the 900 if all those C-Series come on line in 2012.
I've also heard talk of us dumping our 200's and doing the transition for 200 crews to the 900. Is there any truth to this...
This is what I heard when I was in recurrent training in June and since then has heard again from several very senior CAs. Mesaba will get the additional 18 CRJ900s after the initial 36 have been delivered. MSP would not be getting the additional CRJ900 simulator in 2009 in addition to the CRJ sims there already if Mesaba is only getting 36. Another reason is the CRJ900 is about 15% more fuel efficient than E175. Do not expect to see anymore E175s going to regionals like Skywest, Compass or Mesaba for DAL. This is because NWA and DAL is looking for a true 100 to 120 seat fuel efficient replacement for DC9s, MD80s and A320s. People have talked about Bombardier C-series but they are not available yet and if they are ordered, it looks like they will be mainline jets to be flown by mainline pilots which is a good thing in the long run.
Also the Director of Ops has not directly said but hinted we might be getting the CRJ1000 because NWA has options for ANY Bombardier jet for any additional jets. Don't make too much out of this, take it for what it is, educated speculations. And don't try to make statements like you have more confirmed facts because you do not. None of us do unless you are in top management at NWA or DAL.
FYI, DAL CEO Anderson was on my flight from ATL to MSP last month.