The daily utilization of the FNWA was very low compared to Delta's MD88's. I posted the 2007 numbers almost a year ago but don't have them here. If scheduled as hard as Delta's jets were, then yes, I could see a 30% increase in block with the same fleet of airplanes.

As far as 70/76 numbers, it is common on the Delta side for the DCI carriers to have more airplanes than allowed, BUT, the company claims those excess jets are SPARES and that the scope limits only apply to aircraft being operated.

That has been the story for years, do not know if anything has changed recently. The loads and economy again are making the CRJ700/900 & E170/175 very popular with management.