Riverboat,
In the 80's American Airlines asked APA (AA pilot union) to allow it to begin flying a couple of 19 seat prop jobs under a different banner (American Eagle).
Unfortunately, we were not focused on the future and allowed AA to begin what has become a nemesis.
Today, American Eagle flies over 300 jets and has drawn appx $4bn investment from the core airline. AA has parked close to 200 mainline jets in the past few years but not one Eagle jet.
No one would argue that with 20/20 hindsight the very least we should have done is ensured the original pilots were on the AA seniority list.
I know the Qantas pilots have learned an important lesson with Jetstar.
Very encouraging to see that most pilots at BALPA understand too.
Help from across the pond is on the way.
dd