Originally Posted by
John Pennekamp
Wrong! Jerry said that if we didn't get serious about the contract, it would be "economically unfeasible" to place the -900s at ASA. ASA-ALPA told him to pack sand, so he gave them to SkyWest.
Those orders were "placed" before the acquisition of ASA. ASA was the first to get the 900's paperwork in and the press releases had all been made. Those jets were diverted to punish ASA pilots for not taking a cram down that cut some pilots (the IP's) pay by as much as 50%. Jerry was quoted saying some ASA pilots were earning TWICE as much as they should. It is hard to accept the notion of pay cuts while your airline is making record profits.
Don't forget that Mesaba is a wholly owned. Putting airplanes there helps increase the value of that asset. If SkyWest wants them for SkyWest, or ASA, they are going to have to buy them. (and I think there will be an attempted sale of Mesaba and Compass for reasons that are outside the scope of this thread)