Although the delta deal+base is new I don't see them closing it anytime soon, in fact word on the street is that they are pleased with our performance and may want to expand our service. (don't wanna sound too proud). I think most people that fly for us bust their ass, especially when we have a say in our product (express/delta) ...as most people I try to carry myself to a higher standard and always try to go the extra mile. I always remember the good flights i've had and I swear to you i've never had more compliments then on XE flights. Even when i have a crap landing (l am moderately retarded)

I am not saying that another airline is as good if not better but I swear to you that XE is a great airline where you will get good work rules, decent schedules, great colleagues and a management that seems to care. I'd say good pay but I think we are all underpaid. Better then average pay but I think we all could do better. Wherever you decide, XE is a great place to go...and if you need a ride we'll try our best to get you on.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you guys are gonna do a bad job or anything. But what you said was all said about CHQ in MCO and look how that panned out. Hell, in their last customer service survey, S5 and CHQ were #1 and #2 for customer satisfaction...and between the two we've opened 4 Delta bases and closed 2 in the last two years. Delta is not good at keeping any regional in one place for a long period of time. You'll keep the flying, but it'll move to SLC, CVG, ATL, etc. etc. It's a smart play by Delta because it spreads the risk around, makes it harder to identify struck work, etc. but sucks for the regionals.

No Regional is "stable" when it comes to bases or upgrade. If he wants to fly at LAX, XE is an option, and a damn good one...he could fly the SAAB in LAX for AE or fly the 145 with XE, and not take all the crap that comes with being a part of AMR. Worst case, LAX closes and he gets into ONT on Perm Bid, so what? Delta has kept SKW in SLC forever (at least in Regional Airline years). Chasing "stability" at AE is good for one thing...your "stable" career as a permanent FO at Eagle...and then Big American ("take it back!") goes on strike...watch out.

How long is the Delta/Express Jet Contract out of LAX?

IIRC it is fairly short for a regional contract...kind of a trial basis kind of thing. But there's no reason to believe that XJet will screw it up.

Upgrade is a significant factor to consider...if not for career reasons, then simply for money.

Thats correct, its initially 2 years but the rumors are flying that DAL is happy and talks have begun already for more flying. We shall see.

The point had nothing to do with XJet stability...it's that Delta moves around regional flying more than any other mainline partner I've ever seen. When you have 11 different companies flying for you...you can do that.