Skywest has an order in for 100 non-scope complaint E2 ERJs, and Kirby likely has a plan for using them in the United network.

Don't give in.

I have a plan for using them too, and it involves you and me flying them at mainline. Problem solved.

Next?

They're starting to get it.

Manufacturers Not Expecting E175-E2, MRJ90 Scope Relief | Commercial Aviation content from Aviation Week

Alaska has no scope clause.

Exactly... Hopefully they get that changed ASAP.

Does anyone know the history behind the max t/o 86000lbs scope limit? How they came up with that number in particular. I'm sure this is the number Kirby wants relaxed but I'd like to know more about why this limit exists in the first place (I'm not of the position its up for negotiation).

The weight used to be lower but was raised during the bankruptcy by the MEC Chairman, without ratification, to allow the company to have the Express carriers fly the E-170. He raised it in a terrible attempt to save the A Plan.

Edit: What 89Pistons said.

The ratified limit (by weight) did not mention a specific aircraft type but was established to permit an aircraft the size of the CRJ700. Shortly thereafter the company returned in a panic to get a higher limit to allow the E170 which the MEC Chair obliged.

#massivefail

Either the worlds biggest sucker, or a devious and feckless Alpha Hotel.

The UAL Contract 2003, aka the "Bankruptcy Contract" defined a small jet as max weight of 80,000lbs and certified for 70 or fewer seats. Here is that infamous LOA that everyone says is SO evil. The fact is...the Company and Whiteford's special negotiating committee had already agreed to allow the E170 with 70 seats. BTW, the Company flew 115 CRJ700s but only 38 EMB170s. The 76 seats and 86,000 pound Regional Jet definition came with the Merger UPA in 2012. I suspect it was to allow for the EMB175.


Embraer 170
Captain Paul R. Whiteford, Chairman
UAL-MEC Air Line Pilots Association
6400 Shafer Court, Suite #700
Rosemont, IL 60018

Dear Paul,
In discussions leading up to the 2003 Agreement, the parties agreed that the Embraer 170, certificated to a maximum seating of seventy-eight (78), with a maximum gross takeoff weight of less than eighty-two thousand one hundred (82,100) pounds would be an exception to definition #22 of Section 1 of the 2003 Agreement. The Company
further commits that should one or more of our Feeder Carrier partners select this aircraft for operation, it will not be configured for operation with more than seventy (70) seats.

If this letter accurately reflects our agreement, please sign and return two (2) copies for our file.
Sincerely