Aircraft and his adversaries are half right. While a 20k increase is justified for the pilots, and yes, it would still not stop those that want to fly jets leaving, and lets face it, you simply cannot generate the revenue from 36 seats to pay comparable to an aircraft with 400 seats.
But.........there are many guys who for their own reasons, a regional airline suits them down to the ground and are not looking to go anywhere else. There are many in such situation. The fact that these guys are leaving is the real concern. But to simply put it down to the salary is lookign at it simplistically. Lifestyle, home every night or close to, the working environment often means more than the salry. In most studies, money is number 5 on this list, first is usually personal fulfilment and sense of being valued by the company. In short, if people love comming to work, then money or lack of is not so important.
However, while there is the continuing Kendal/Hazo bitch fight happening within the company, un realistic standards being imposed(FFS the SAAB is not a space shuttle). I'm told by somoene who knows just a little about the SAAB(said tongue in cheek) that SAAB's philosophy was there should be no recal items......but how many do the Rex guys have to memorise?
Lastly there is a poisonous atmosphere that is coming from certain C & T ers, any sim ride, line check is just a way for them to get rid of someone, some of these characters it seems, take pleasure in ruining someone elses life.
Rex can never pay that to match Virgin, QF, etc etc, so it has to make up in life style and more eimportantly, employes enjoying thewir work, not hating comming to work as is the case now.