Guy, OH was largest privately owned "Regional" carrier in the world before DL bought it (still not sure why) and screwed it up. It WAS a place to work and retire from. You'd surprised how many pilots retired from there after 15, 20, 25+ years in the line. It wrote its own ticket (per say) for a very long time, and was bigger than lots of the majors of this time (Airtran, Spirit, and I believe Jetblue). And at one time was hellbent on moving on up (to the east side) to "major" status by buying bigger aircrafts (757, 737 and others), and join the fray against the DL, US, AA, etc in this country. Btw, I believe after the purchase, there were 10-15 of the DL MD-88 that were fully purchased with OH assets (money) and for some years flew under the Comair Holdings registration. I jumpsat in a couple of those and got a kick by seeing the registration.
Please research it.....bet you it will surprise you.

Nothing surprises "Shy the all-knowing".

How do you get stability in a wholly-owned? That's probably the worst model, because the major partner can cut flying, park fleets, or outsource to another regional in an instant. How does that help?

Air Wisconsin was the oldest privately held regional airline until United screwed it up. Same story, 15, 20, 25+ year guys in the line. Now they're down to 70 CRJs with all senior pilots being forced a two leg commute from ATW to PHL/DCA.

After the purchase, it's all Delta's money. On paper they can show whatever they want. Sure Comair probably made them money back then. And sure some of that money was funneled for purchasing MD80s, and even registered in Comair holdings. However, being wholly owned means wholly owned. Delta can show whatever profit or loss it wants, just as AMR has been doing at Eagle for years.

Shy,

We all have the advantage of hindsight now. As to why people would stay some reasons were given. It was a case of perception. Being junior, I moved on as soon as I could. I'm sure the senior people now are not at all happy with the present situation not just their personal situation but also Comair's too. They held out hope that things would recover as OH went through NG2,3,4 and whatever they are up to now.
I was recently in Narita with some UA and CO guys. They also spoke of how trhings had changed for them in ways they would have never dreamed in their worst dreams (regarding the last 15years). It's not just OH that has hit a wall, the difference is, as you mention, being wholly owned they are at the owning airlines mercy in the race to the bottom that is not a good place to be.
One thing posters fail to mention is the great people who are at OH and their families. Hopefully DL pulls a "just kidding" and lets the good people continue.

Heard from a reliable source on Virginia Ave that all CRJ-200 flying will end on 9/4 and the rest will be wound down by the 28th.

Except an announcement Friday.

Source please.

Hey Spoils, been a while my friend. Hope you're well. Anyhow, yes they do like to hand out bad news the friday before a big date. Very sad.

How "firm" is the Friday announcement?

Depends, is she over 40?