Sniper

1987 - 1993, JO first worked in aviation, for Air LA and Mesa
1994 - 1995, JO works for CO Express (under David Bonderman)
1996 - 1997, JO is CEO of Virgin Express
1998 - present, JO is CEO of Mesa

Frank left Texas Air Group in 1990. When did JO work for Frank?

As a pilot, I've traveled on virtually all of the Delta Connection carriers, both as a jumpseater and as a non-rev passenger. As a Gold Medallion Delta passenger, I also travel on Delta and their Connection carriers plenty as a revenue passenger, accessing their lounges, Business Elite services and all other aspects of the premium experience. I’ve generally found that employees are not privy to most of the passenger quality initiatives – as a non-rev or while working, you’re the last priority or providing the customer service, not receiving it. What is the worst part about Mesa's JFK Delta Connection service IMO - the surly gate agents, rampers, and the horrible facilities of Terminal 2 in JFK, especially the boarding procedures of Terminal 2, where all of Mesa's flights operate. None of this is under Mesa's control - it's all Delta mainline. JFK is the international hub of the world's 2 largest airlines, Delta and American (Air France KLM is not a single airline). Look @ Delta's facilities and American's - there is no contest: one has a clean, airy, brand new terminal where you board using jetways; the other uses Pan Am's two terminals from the 60's (the oldest operating hub terminals of any major international airline in the world I believe), where you board RJ's by being herded into one of 2 gates by some of the most ill-tempered employees I've ever met, who then march you through the snow and rain to your aircraft, partially sheltered only by some netting and plywood - and that's before you have to wait @ the bottom of the stairs in the elements as the 15 people in front of you find their seats. Your carry-on bag, which is too small to fit in the overheads, sits out in the elements for another 10 minutes before being manhandled into the bin, breaking the delicate items you didn't put in your checked bag and that had made it all the way from China, only to break on the last leg of your journey.
All this talk about Delta's 'focus on quality' is great, but this focus on Mesa's potential removal as a primary part of this process is ridiculous. We’re talking about the world’s largest airline, and they have no first class product and outdated facilities in a hub most of their premium passengers pass through – believe me, that stands out a good deal more than the differences b/t a Mesa, a Comair, and a Skywest flight (I don’t see an appreciable difference, honestly – I’ve had good and bad experiences everywhere in equal frequency).

The contract is all that matters here. It appears both Mesa and Delta admit Mesa fell below the minimum performance levels, allowing Delta to get out of the contract. None of us know why Delta chose to attempt to exercise this option with Mesa and not another carrier. All that matters is the contract:
1) Does the contract differentiate between cancellations due to actions by Delta and those within Mesa's control?
2) If so, did Mesa initiate cancellations of flights on the request of Delta?
3) If so, can Mesa show, through a preponderance of the evidence (ie, was it more likely than not) that Mesa would have been in compliance with the contract had Delta not interfered?

It doesn't matter what Delta pilots, Delta Connection pilots, or even Delta's premium passengers think - only the contract and the courts matter now.

What matters most though – a Steeler’s victory tomorrow!