Since only a couple of carriers made any money this year, I cant help but think that maybee it was the high cost of labor that really broke the camels back. I can still remember Leo Mullins (Delta CEO) stating to his shareholders that the only way he could afford to pay his pilots their industry leading pay was through the profits generated by ASA and Comair. This seems to be the case at other companies such as United, American, and Continental. I think that the pilots groups may have negotiated themselvs (at least some of them) out of a job. Additionally, most of the big airlines are currently restructuring their routes and adding or transforming the mainline routes to the RJ's. Since the pilots contracts are no longer binding (scope) due to economic circumstances beyond their carriers control, this will more than likely be a permanent integration of these aircraft types as it gives management the perfect oportunity to change things on managements side. What do you think?
