I was reading some threads about the ASA/XTJ merger and I am like applaed of some of the ignorance out there! Like one idiot does not even know who Expressjet flies for! like which rock is this guy living under!

Here are a little facts about Expressjet:

Before we parked the 135s, we were the biggerst EMB 135/145 operator . . . I think with about 239 EMB 145s now we might still be. Before also we parked the 135s we had also the biggest all jets fleet.

We are also one of the highest paid regional airline pilots. Our 50 seater pay compares to 70 and 90 seater pay on some other regionals.

We also have one of the best contract. Here is some of the goodies in our contract.

Pay is per leg, a leg is blocked for 2:00 but it took us 2:30 to fly it, we keep the extra 30 minutes, even if on the next leg we under block. For example, on a 3 leg day, if blcoked 2:00, 1:30, 1:00, and we fly 2:30, 1:15, and :45, we get paid an extra :30 minute for that day (a total of 5:00 hours for that day)

Vacation, if it touches any trip, it drops the trip that it touches, so you take a one week vacation and turn it into a 3 weeks vacation wtih an 80 hours or even more line, depending which line you bid.

we get an initial line window in which we can trade trips . . and then the second window which allows worse day bad day trades. And with that, even though I almost at the end of the line holder seniority list in Houston, I can still manage to get weekends off by trading. I get alos about 14 to 15 days off while working extra and building my line up to 95 hours pay.

Deadhead is 100% pay, I know at other airlines it's either 75% or 50%

and many other goodies that I don't feel like typing right now.

about the EMB 145. CRJ drivers are not gonna like what I am about to say, but it is a fact. We have an umatched relationship with Embraer, and many of the modifications were made because of us. we started the LR2 program, and we are the only XR operator. the CRJ 200 is no match to either the LR2 or the XR in the range and load. And CRJ guys as much as this may offend you, this is a proven fact. Chataqua's attempt to operate the CRJ200 for continental was a dissaster! They could not carry the load, specially on routes like Houston to Colorado Spring, forget about it, the CRJ 200 could not even come close to either the LR2 or the XR, matter of fact Chataqua was not able to operate the CRJ200 on that route at all. Some of the things that pax enjoy about the EMB 145 vs the CRJ, is the bigger and higher windows, the single seat they have the option of getting and sitting by themselves.

I believe it is in the best interest for Skywest, ASA, and Expressjet piltos should be merged into one serority list, like Republic has it. Our contract stipulates that actually, and Skywest management is trying to bypass that by trying to make it look like ASA is buying XJT and not Skywest to prevent Skywest pilots from becoming unionized. I believe we have the best contract of all 3 pilot groups. However, if I am mistaken then share with me what you think you have that is a better working condition or QOL.

This is addressed to Skywest/ASA pilot so we can learn as much as we can about each other, if you are not one of those, then I really do not care about your opinion!