Originally Posted by
EWRflyr
I am curious if the recent XJT expansion in ORD is going to offset anything? Is this purely replacement of the flying MESA did or is this flying being taken over by XJT 50-seat jets so that the 70-seat jets can be moved into other parts of the system (i.e. EWR and IAH)? Just wondering if moving pieces around the system keeps them under the block cap. From what has been stated above by some, it sounds like they can't add any more UAX flights so all this flying has to be CO flying?
It's both. When the deal was signed, the planes were to replace the Mesa flying that UAL was dumping. Hard to believe, UAL dumping a crappy operation for one that has better performance numbers. At least, when the deal was signed anyway. Cost wasn't an issue as CAL squeezed XJT so low that it didn't matter.
Although the planes are "heading to ORD", it's to fill the void of SkyWest planes going to the current CAL hubs. Flying is increasing out of IAD as well, and DEN is starts seeing XJT flying starting in January. Again, to fill the void of the 70 seaters leaving current UAL flying for the CAL flying.