Originally Posted by
BSOuthisplace
I think operating costs is one factor. I think the other is that Mesa is already out there, they already have the aircraft, and they already have infrastructure in place out west for the operation. In order for Piedmont to move out west it will cost US Airways some $. Why spend a bunch of $ on a new operation when you already have one in place? My guess is they will keep Mesa dashes out there for the foreseeable future.
I agree that there would be costs involved. That is why while Airways was negotiating cheaper rates and a 10% stake in MAG, they should have negotiated the dash's as part of the deal, allowing them to offset any costs involved. My guess is that if time, effort, or thinking is involved with something positive happening at Piedmont, mainline is not interested.