LAV,
The Q400 is not all that it's cracked up to be, still lots of "Tech"problems.
Morale very low at the momement and has been for some time now, with 80 odd pilots having left in the last 12 months and not all to the land of Orange, but probably most of them.
Getting 319s or 737s will not solve the problem on the morale front as you will just be travelling faster and further afield thus creating larger problems when it all goes T.U.
Crewing is the main issue at the moment and untill that is addressed then the morale will continue to be below rock bottom for some time to come yet.
Here are just 2 examples :-
Two crew members told that they must postion from BHX-IOM.......
............in a hire car !!
One of the above 146 Captains was asked just recently to "Help out" on the LGW-BHD-LGW, but in the RHS, due F/O shortage.
When said Captain informed Crewing that he was not qualified in the RHS of the 146, their response was:-
" that it doesn't matter as it will only be for 2 sectors........ in the Q400 " !!!
It would be hilarious if it weren't so true.
EW.
You're right mate.