[kellwolf]

While I agree that the Dash would be better suited to those markets, you also have to keep your customers in mind. Sad fact is Joe Average sees TPs as "those durn death traps" and sees jets as infinately safe. So, by going with the TP, you run the risk of losing market share to some other airline running jet service. Tupelo, MS PAID Delta (well, ASA) to start service into there because people were hesitant to get on Saabs flown by Mesaba. Not only did they pay a portion of the startup costs, but the ground crew are employed by the local government! I had an interview for a ground position there before I wised up and went to Skymates.

There's no doubt that some of our 50 seat flying will got to 70 seaters. The question is will it go to Compass, a leaned out Mesaba, or stay here. With Compass, I believe NWA may have closed the door on outside bids. The pilot group at mainline approved a third NW Airlink a couple of years ago, and the would be Compass. Not sure if they'd need another vote to get a fourth one in.

As for the staffin at Compass, it's furloughed NWA guys and then off the street for any other positions, so it's not 100% NWA. There are provisions in the contract for Mesaba, PCL, etc to fly 76 seaters, but there are also conditions attatched to that as well.