Originally Posted by
n9810f
If DAL axes any of the Republic flying (Chautauqua and Shuttle America), Delta is on the hook for the aircraft...if the cessation of services is terminated before the contract's expiration. It's spelled out very clearly in the Annual Report. I think all of the Shuttle E-jets are owned and the 145's are leased, so DAL would have to buy or lease the aircraft assigned to the contracts.
Not so fast,
First off, if Republic was originally awarded that flying with the stipulation that they abide by the Delta Scope limit, and then they go out and make aircraft/airline purchases that violate that agreement with Delta, then it would depend on the wording of their contract.
Secondly, if DAL wanted out they would lawyer up and be out in about 10 seconds - Remember Mesa?
Thirdly - they could have other DCI carriers fly them - or even, "GASP," bring them to mainline and have them flown by Delta Pilots.
Finally, this basically provides DALPA more ammunition. It does not really guarantee any results, but what DALPA does with this additional ammunition will be telling.
If they just roll over and say that it does not change a thing, then I predict the DPA will see another membership surge.
Scoop