Yeah ASA is extremely overstaffed. Maybe the 700 has some low coverage days but as a whole we have hundreds more pilots then we need. The truth is they should have stopped hiring somewhere around dec 2007 but i don't think that they saw the slowdown coming as quick as it did.

The last alpa fast read says that the company recognizes they are overstaffed by 100-350 pilots. I think 350 is a little bit much but im sure they will reevaluate the pilot staffing model once all the ATR guys are through training. I would put us about 150-200 pilots overstaffed. If we lose anymore flying the company will have to furlough, they will have no choice.

I want to bring up the point that with the loss of the ATR we thought we would at least be retaining the ATR flight hours. Now it looks like Mesaba will take those routes. Delta will be in violation of to major aspects of the contract. The total airplanes will be violated as they fall below 151 and the 80% of ATL flying will also be in violation. Delta was at 80% before the loss of the ATRs, now we have to be below it. I'm sure ASA has been speaking to Delta about this and the truth is Delta hasn't been doing well in court. If Skywest does feel the need to excercise some muscle I think delta would be forced to fulfill the contract terms or at least renegotiate a contract that is beneficial for both sides.