There is no getting around it. They are going to loose the Freedom ERJ contract (that is 36 aircraft, approximately 350 pilots) and the Freedom CRJ-900 flying for Delta (14 aircraft were expected. I think they only had 7 or so, but that is another 70-140 pilots no longer needed).

I know Mesa was really short staffed, but there is no way they can absorb this loss of 40-50 aircraft. Mesa has been on the road to Ch.11 bankruptcy, and some say Ch.7 for a very long time. US Air is not going to renew their contract. United is not going to renew their contract. Delta has already cancelled their contract. So who does Mesa have left? Maybe it is good that your friend got furloughed. It will let him try for a job before all 1500 pilots at Mesa are on the street looking for jobs.