Sink r8

OK, so there definitely are "Commuter slots". Here is an example of a transaction involving them:

Republic Airways Completes Purchase of Embraer 170 Aircraft and Slot Assets from US Airways Group. - Free Online Library

Please note they're clearly defined as "Commuter slots" in the article. I don't see any such remark in our press release.

thrustsetrj200

I understand you standing up for your fellow Delta pilot. Once again, I'm not directing any hate towards any Delta pilot.
I couldn't care less if I "get ignored pretty quickly". You are MORE than welcome to ignore me. I won't take offense.
I have seen attitude on this thread just as I see attitude on a regional thread. I have nothing BUT respect for you guys. As I hope you feel the same about the regional guys.
This little discussion has gone far enough. Let's get back to the subject.
Once again, I want nothing more to see the mainline grow. I'm all for stopping the regional out-of-control growth that was occuring just a year ago. I hope the "bigger" jets Delta is talking about is at least a DC-9. I think that maybe mainline can take some of their routes back if 76 seaters are pulled to fly some of the LGA routes. Routes like MSP-SLC...or SLC-SEA.

acl65pilot

I guess those slots were lcc's. That means more mainline. This is great for us.

Fly4hire

There is no gates or slots designated commuter - that's just how they've been used.

As to using 50 seaters and not pulling mainliners dream on - there are plenty of spare NB to use and they can backfill with DC9s currebtly (apx 35) in the desert

Burn Notice

I can't see them getting Mesa back in NYC. They hated having them there and are quite happy they have gone to CVG because, as it was told to me, "they(mainly Comair) know how to handle New York and can adjust. Mesa just didn't care." I see Mesa going out in the system to free up 76 seaters from Comair, Compass and ASA. We got good people who listen, I think they do care about our product and will not half-a$$ this LGA hub. Just my glass half full humble opinion.

FlyinPiker

I agree 100%. While we replace the 50 seat flying that is being done today down in ATL and elsewhere, these aircraft can be used to go develop us some more mainline routes (it sounds like some will get mainline service from the beginning, I agree)...with any luck it might be their last missions before they are sent to the boneyard.

firstmob

ACL Do you think the E-190 coming to Delta is now a dead dea?

FlyinPiker

Really....I guess I sorta agree with that in a way.

*So we are going to pull DC9's out of the desert, train guys to fly them, and then begin service on routes previously flown by SF-34, DH-8's, and CRJ's/ERJ's and then hope we can fill them.

Or

*Are we going to use the leftover 50 seaters from CVG, ATL, and where ever else we eliminate service/replace with DC-9's to initiate these routes.


Down the line your idea sounds plausible, but it sounds like the safer, surer thing is use the toys we already have out...at least for now.

I admit I do not know the details of excatly which slots are which, but there is a smart way to enter a market and a wreckless one.

As much as I want mainline growth, I'd feel much more comfortable if we grew slow and steady verses going all in. It's not like we'd be adding 50 seaters, just putting the ones we already have out to good use.

FlyinPiker

Remember the majority of Comair has been pushed out to NY (JFK) and continuously asked by management for a Co-Domicile LGA/JFK for the past few months.

I don't know where they are at with that, but it fits.

Bucking Bar

Actually, with LGA, I believe there are.

Note the words Delta uses to describe the trade:

"While more than 40 percent of US Airways’ current LaGuardia schedule is operated with small turboprops, Delta plans to use the same limited airport takeoff and landing rights to operate a schedule with all slots occupied by jet aircraft."

The politicians have feared service from smaller airports would be locked out of New York if they were not allowed slots for aircraft limited to lower seat capacity. I'm not expert on how the locals gained control of this issue from the DOT/FAA, but you will recall that when the DOT proposed slot restrictions for larger aircraft only they were ultimately defeated.

So, this looks like more small jet flying to me. With the NWA merger Delta may have all the DCA slots it needs, so it might not have given up much in the trade, but still the sum looks like less mainline flying and more regional lift (or less shrinkage as the case may be).

Since we have decided on the MEC level not to study the benefits of unity with Compass, we are not in a position to gain anything from this deal. That probably explains why there is not a need for more staffing ... .