So how does a merger go? Fences in the beginning and then any new openings by a combined seniority? Relative seniority? How senior is the Mesaba group?

Since Mesaba flies the same equipment (except the Saabs, which are leaving), I'd predict relative seniority. You usually only fence dissimilar and higher paying aircraft types (like DAL/NWA with the 747 and 777).

And though they are a bit smaller, I think Mesaba's seniority profile is pretty close to ASA's.

Its funny how 3 months ago I heard this rumor from "people in the know" except most of the growth was going to the SKYW side. Heard the big man himself say that if Inc bought another airline he would not want another pilot group. Take from that what you will......

Just another tid bit that I heard. JA does not want a Union at SKYW. If another airline is purchased and all advantages go to ASA because they have a union and can merge list and SKYW can't because they are not union SKYW pilots would go Union Tomorrow. That is why he does not want another pilot group. Heard him say he wants assets only so growth can go to SKYW as well. Not flaming, just adding what I have heard him say.

Looks like asa is getting 16 more 700's soon.

I see no reason they don't just do it the way Republic does it. If they want integration I see them doing more of what WAVIT is describing.

I just heard a rumor that you guys are planning to hire 400-600 more pilots by years end?

hahaha I wish.... I hope so....

The rumors are definitely flying fast and furious. I just heard one about a merger with ExpressJet. I don't hold this rumor to be any more credible than any of the rest, and probably very unlikely to be true.

I do think it's definitely entertaining to hear all the crazy stuff that gets passed around. New -900s, possible mergers, possible liquidations of other carriers (wholly owned or not) and acquisition of their assets, etc. etc.

No one should get too excited. IMO something is afoot, but I'm not sure what it is and am not going to get too concerned about it. And if nothing happens by the end of the year then watch morale sink.

So for anyone who thinks ASA, ahem, Atlantic Southeast pilots are crazy to be passing on these rumors, just take a chill pill. We'll all believe it when we see it. For now it's just idle entertainment.

I'm almost 100% sure that the training department isn't set up to handle that. There is just no way.

..Which is why it MAY have Merit- haha