But can they sell BigMacs and not just Cheesburgers?

That would actually be a Mcd's product. Most chains will vary their menu across the globe to meet local food tastes. Ever been to mcdonalds in asia? Not the same, at all.

So basically the majors have SkyWest by the balls and are squeezing hard. And it sounds like SkyWest has no leverage to counter them.

Honestly, does anyone think that if they didn't have a weight clause forced on them they would suddenly start flying 737s/A320s and compete against their partners?

It's happened before. Didn't end well for the regional involved.

Indy went solo in the worst aviation economic environment in history. That said, the share holders at SKY would never allow it, as ASA's are basically free money.

The Expressjet branded flying didn't work out too well either, timing is everything.

Thanks! Scope is the most important part of any pilot contract. It is literally career and profession defining. This profession wouldn't be any fun if airline managements had unlimited ability to shop every plane around to the lowest bidder constantly. Scope = stability = earnings = fun. :cool:

The other side of that is existing airlines have never been in a better position to play ruthless hardball with any recalcitrant upstart.

Yes, but the point is, as a franchisee, the original corporate company dictates whats on the menu whether it be Big Macs in the US or Sushi Burgers in Japan.

Its mutually beneficial to both parties. The franchisee gets to easily sell a well known, viable product without doing much marketing and the corporate parent collects royalites without having to manage the restaraunt.

RIP inventor of Big Mack passed today. McDonald's awarded him a plaque for his sandwich.