You're probably on to something there. From what I might of heard is that AS is probably paying good $$$ for a quality product and don't mind it a bit. Good things to come from that contract and possibly additional flying in future.
Good product likely. Better than QX, NO. From Managements view probably, SkyWest has a lower hourly rate and costs. QX has CAT3, RNP, LPV GPS app and industry leading rates before arbitration kicks in.