Colgan Q400 options
 

I'm one of those guys that likes to read all the posts and gather information -- I've been waiting to read about a rumor I've heard from several people and believe must have some validity, but nobody has posted about it so here goes --

CHQ is phasing out of IAH and the COAIR system starting in December.

There I said it -- From what I understand Colgan has options for up to 45 Q400 -- there were 69 airplanes originally dropped from the agreement with Express that was 3450 seats -- with 45 Q400s that is 3330 seats. Seems more than coincidental.

From what I understand CAL needs to decide whether or not to exercise any additional options this month. Could be interesting, any insight or thoughts.

Am I way off base?

Ok here's what we do know both Alaska via Horizon, and Frontier via Lynx have proven that the Q400 is the most economical aircraft for the 100-400nm segments. Scope at CAL seems to be holding pretty tight for Jets but not for props. Plain and simple they could get as many 70 seat t-props as they can (for now).

You draw your own conclucions. There's no doubt in my mind that CAL will continue to re-structure it's regional feed. The way I see it (NOT THE WAY I WANT IT):

XJT- down to about 155 frames by 2010 with CAL.

RAH- Either gone altogether or just holding on the ERJ routes also by 2010 (In hopes of seeing the 170's in the blue tail that will never come.)

Colgan- up to about 70-80 Q400's by 2011.

Once again, I would rather see the flying go back to mainline, but that's my prediction. Flame away!

I dont think Bombardier has 45 Q400 just waiting on Colgan, I think colgan has to wait like everyone else in line for their aircraft 45 aircraft are not made overnite.. also most manufactures require a down payment if you decide to exercise your options.. for more aircraft, Besides our Friends over the pond in europe EVERYONE wants the Q400s

Never say never...

LOL... Colgan's shakin it up again.

Remember, Pinnacle is waiting on a scope grievance concerning the purchase of Colgan. Word on the street is the decision is coming soon, and it favors Pinnacle ALPA although anything can happen at this point. If ALPA wins it probably means a stop to Q airframes at Colgan for now. I work at Pinnacle and wish no ill will toward my Colgan brothers, but am still confused why they did not bring in ALPA in when they had the chance. With no representation I am afraid they might get hosed in this whole mess. At least if they had voted in ALPA they would have some union protection if the decision goes in ALPA's favor. Good luck to you all at Colgan I sincerely hope you do not get "PINNACLED", Lord knows we all have on multiple occasions.

I don't have a complete understaing of all that is going on with Pinnacle, but as I understand it since the question is

"Who is Pinnacle"

then either the scope doesn't apply to the parent company in which case things stand as they are,

or the court rules that Pinnacle and the parent company are one in the same in which case isn't the Colgan pilot group then automatically ALPA?

True...but RAH will only fly E-Jets for CAL if CAL ALPA allows it.

Given the experience of many of the pilots hired at CAL in the last few years, I'd say such relaxation of scope has pretty long odds of being ratified...they'd have to be given a MIGHTY big carrot to give up those jobs.

is chq or the rah system as a whole going to pick up flying elsewhere with the withdrawl from iah?

the RUMOR also states that RAH wants out of 50 seat business