and lets remember they didn't mention the carrier that was going to be doing it. lots of people here at pinnacle heard it was colgan, and that they were going in to atlanta, which would be bad news for us at pinnacle.

No, actually, it was not a Delta press release. It was speculation on a foreign aviation website that mentions "industry sources." Hardly factual from Delta. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened, but let's be clear, Delta has NOT announced anything.

Here's the article:

Delta plans to open Saab 340 base at Atlanta hub


Airsupport - isn't Colgan parking saabs? If not, do the PCL speculators that "heard" that COlgan was going to do this flying think they'll just drop the US and UA saab flying to go to ATL and fly there? IF this actually does happen, it's almost a no brainer it would be XJ. Especially since XJ mgmt is acknowledging the article.

i think it is pure speculation of some guys around here. they are worried that colgan will get some saabs in there, and then start flying the q400 for delta. then we would be toast.

If Colgan gets flying in Atlanta, how will that effect Pinnacle?

There is some possibility PNCL holdings could try to offer delta Colgan Q400s/Saabs in a 1-for-1 swap for 200s under our NWA/Pinnacle Airlines side, to reduce the 200 fleet size whilst keeping things legal for Delta/NWA under our contract with them...it's a huge loss for 9E pilots, but a gain for PNCL mgmt (i.e. they'd be flying all fuel-efficient planes for Delta with Q400s, Saabs, and 900s, phasing out inefficient 200s at the expense of our pilots),

With oil prices and demand dropping, I don't think the 50 seat jet is as awful as it used to be. But then again, we are talking about the knee jerk reaction airline industry.

Good point...yet at the same time I think the airlines are very wary of fuel price spikes now, even with it down around 70/bbl, and any opportunity they have to replace 50 seat feed with tprop feed and 76-seat feed (=first class money for nearly the same operating cost) might be taken as a strategic measure, even if 50 seaters get into the black again.

On the other hand, DAL seems to be pretty "image conscious" with regards to their feed, and past decisions (wanting to phase out ATRs in ATL, and on any routes that didn't specifically require them) make me think they would rather keep an RJ on a route for slightly more cost as long as they're not losing money on it...due to the marketing aspect of offering "jet service (puke puke)" to some city they feed out of.

Hi!

From what I've heard, NWA isn't involved in any of these decisions, at least directly. DAL is doing all of the route/airport/aircraft planning now.

cliff
MRC

Pack your bags........We're moving to Atlanta!!!! Hope I look good in a double breasted Jacket......And a really cool hat!!!!!!!