Originally Posted by
Truman_Sparks
That was explicitly NOT the impression that I got from that investor call. It was NEVER stated that the planes would be flown at all by ASA pilots. I got the impression that they were sold, possibly to a foreign carrier. All that was said was they found a place to send 7 or 8 of those planes.
There is NO airline on this planet that will take on more 50's, especially a small fleet of 12 or so planes.
Those planes are goners, and come next summer, unless there is attrition or a large increase in block hours for the remaining 50's, or more 900's, look for another 100 pilots to hit the street.
I was told by a "certain company exec." during recurrent ground this month that they were indeed looking to secure a deal for at least 7 of those a/c with United. I was under the impression that ASA owned/leased those 20 50 seaters and the alternative is to park them. That being said they lose money if they are not flown. ASA has always said they will not operate flights at a loss but they will certainly be willing to cut their margins. Of course I'll believe it when i see it!