ZB,
Speaking of Republic, visas and pilot supply, they tried to get Brazilians in here when they were hurting for pilots...didn't work. Good entertainment value to it though. This from a WSJ article:
"Republic Airways CEO Says Labor Accord Has Halved Pilot Losses"
"Mr. Bedford called the increased training requirement the “most significant headwind” to bringing in new pilots. The airline last year sought to take advantage of a slump in Brazilian air traffic to bring in foreign pilots, but was unable to get visas for them to fly in the U.S., he said."