Originally Posted by
INAV8OR
OK, as a mainline guy and a former Regional guy, I can say that the regional guys are the first things on our minds right now. We are trying to get compass on our list, there is all talk about merging a small comair to mesaba and there is no one hoping regional routes reduce. I didn't understand it either when I was at comair, but now I see both sides. To create mainline high paying flying jobs, the flying done by rj's needs to be done by mainline guys. EG MSP to DFW-almost all RJ's now, if that flying goes back to mainline, more major airline pilots are needed. Then when guys move to the majors there is movement in the Regionals. During 2001 to 2004 comair hired like crazy b/c we were flying more mainline routes, now the tables have turned the 50 seat market is not a money maker as much as it was. FWIW, none of us want to see anyone furloughed...
I can understand you guys trying to put compass on your list. I wouldn't be surprised if Comair merged with Mesaba. It would make business sense. They are a much more senior group so that would a kick in the groin for Mesaba.
I totally agree with you about you guys getting the longer routes back. I am ALL for mainline growth. I want you guys to grow TONS and tons. I want a job there one day. I want higher pay for you guys. I agree MSP-DFW needs to be mainline. My issue with Delta now is that they are trying to cut 9 small routes that mainline would never take. MSP-Dubuque, MSP-International Falls, ATL-Hilton Head...etc. Those are the routes we are losing. That' why we are furloughing. This recent furlough has nothing to do with mainline getting routes back. That's what's frustrating. We are losing Saabs when we should be getting more.
But my issue is with RA and him living up to the stereotypical CEO mentality. "We are doing great and we aren't cutting any jobs!" That's totaly BS and us small guys are getting left in the dust. I just wish so many Delta mainline guys wouldn't buy into these lies and stand up for your bro's and sisters at the wholly owned.