as much as I deeply don't like how Mesa treats its employees here and their perpetual use of deciptive practices and business tactics (GO!), etc...
In this ONE instance...I think it's a good business decision to get involved in China which is the largest growing economy in the world. And to do it before the Olympics is equally a good move!
And that's all it is...I have no idea how the planes are staffed or by whom, I know nothing about pay or benefits, etc....I'm not defending Mesa in any way, shape or form. Just stating that it was a good business decision (strictly on the surface) to tap into the Chinese market.