Not to poop on anyone's parade...and trust me I hope Eagle grows like crazy...I just don't think 500 is an accurate number.

What I think needs to be looked over carefully is those positions that will not be back filled. MY understanding from reading this over is that they are trying to move most of the EMB crews out of NYC. ORD would be the most likely place for them to go.

If they go and hire 500 people we will be an airline of what? Almost 3500 pilots? Probably not the best move in such a fragile economy. IF they did hire 400-500 folks we'll see a repeat of 2008. Extreme over staffing, reserves flying 5 hours a month and an eventual "extended vacation without pay" for those 400.

The 37 seaters are obsolete. The 50 seaters do still have some use. I really believe we will see the 37 seaters retiring in the next two years. SJU flying is being reduced from what I hear as well. AA is not as big a player in the Caribbean like it used to be.

I will 100% agree that we are at a critical staffing point. SJU runs out of reserves daily. LGA is going down to 1 or 2 available. ORD is running their reserves like crazy.

We need to remember that we go into negotiations in 2 years. If Eagle wants to keep flying for AMR they are going to need to look like they'll be worth it.

I believe that Eagle is AMRs best bet for regional feed. If I'm not mistaken Eagle did post a slight profit in the 1Q. We're getting a new CEO for what it's worth. We know what AA likes and we do our job well. Not only is our pilot group experienced it's experienced in flying for AMR.