The FLL operation is probably a cost plus type arrangement for Big Sky, so it probably guarantees them at least a bit of profit as long as Chalks carries passengers and doesn't go under (which if they are still going to operate this long after the accident says there's at least some money)

The Mesaba/MAIR/Big Sky relationship is interesting to say the least. If Mesaba throws out the pilot contract and the pilots walk (resulting in liquidation of Mesaba), there might be legal grounds for MAIR to throw out the scope clause that the Mesaba pilots have that limits fleet type at Big Sky.

I can see 3 ways that Big Sky could get bigger planes-

1) the company is sold by MAIR to a third party (thus their ops no longer fall under the scope agreement).

2) Big Sky and Mesaba pilots are integrated into one seniority list, eliminating the scope agreement. That said, Mesaba and ALPA have stated that they do not intend for this to happen (it was offered during Mesaba pilot negotiations). If it does occur, you can guarantee that ALPA will push for a Big Sky pilot bottom "staple."

3) Mesaba goes under financially and the pilots are terminated when assets are sold. If this occurs, MAIR could make an argument in court that the scope agreement no longer exists (since it was between MAIR and the Pilots of Mesaba). If Mesaba is dissolved, then potentially so is the scope agreement.