So the word at skywest right now is that VLAs will not longer be granted, indefinitely. Anyone have any more info? Rumor is that tons of new flying is on the way. But we've all heard this song and dance before.

"Tons" is prob not the right word... I think it's the Pro rate stuff and the summer increase mixed in with MAYBE something else. Don't get peoples hopes up

Based on actual experience...

Most summer VLA's are now being denied, as well as longer-term leaves into 2010. Furlough is unlikely.

I don't think it's "Big News" additional flying, I think they had enough leave takers and higher-than-expected UAX/DCI flying for the rest of the year.

I think they are also maintaining an extra staff cushion this year in case mesa folds.

And there is probably the biggest answer, and why Mesaba also isn't furloughing or offering leaves longer than a month.

I think we've all been guilty at one point or another (over the course of the past year) of speculating when mesa would go under. I'm starting to believe that they won't!!!! They may not be the same as they are today, but I'm starting to think they'll be around in some shape or another.

The (usually) very savvy management team in SGU also seems to be speculating on that. They either think it's likely based on their own analysis, or have been told by UA and/or DAL to be prepared. Cockroach syndrome aside, mesa is in deep trouble right now. If they make it through the DAL lawsuit, they will probably linger until 2012 when thye will probably have to contend with getting dumped by airways.

Well, there are contracts that must be honored for now. Once those are up, seemingly, only United appears interested in future contracts.

They may last a few battles but I don't see staying power for the long term. They tried to grow to fast when all majors were giving away hours as a scare tactic and now they have no place to grow once the contracts are up, voided, etc...

Again, just mho. I don't like to see anyone jobless but there are a lot of jobs that never should have existed.

FWIW: When JA was in DEN a few weeks ago, he was asked about Mesa and he indicated that he was convinced XJT was in a more precarious position than Mesa.

This fire has been fanned by MM on the SAPA Forum, too.

I don't think our position is any more precarious than it has been in the past year. We're staffed and working hard at keeping our performance #'s up.

Haven't heard anything bad about XJT.

If you do end up with a large amount of Mesa's current flying, I hope you'll hire a few of us.