My prediction is that 70 200's will come from pinnacle. Way back in 2007 in our agreement with nwa there is a prevision that says that 70 aircraft may be removed if there is a change of control of the company. So If delta purchases us to turn us into the next comair, they can remove 70 200's over a 3 year period. What a coincidence, delta wants the 200's down to 125 within 3 years! There is also a stipulation in that original asa that says they can extend our contract for 5 years with no rate resets, what a coincidence, they just did that! It also says they can exchange 200's for 900s on a one for one basis, so since pinnacle has 140 200's and 70 of them will probably be parked if delta purchases us, that leaves 70 left. How many more 900's does delta want? 70! SO, pinnacle may be an airline of aprox. 100-125 900's in 3 years.
Delta won't ever buy another regional. They have clearly stated this numerous times. It's not necessary to own that which you can easily contractually control without having the debt on your own books.
Lease agreements can be renegotiated or terminated as part of the chap 11 process. No "trade" necessary. The trades will be for leases that can not be broken so easily.
It's just simple business. You, your family, your QOL are not factors.
What's more likely is 125 of Pinnacle's 50 seaters leases will be renegotiated to half their current rates, the remainder returned to the lessors. Your pwa will be reworked and thru the chap 11 process, Pinnacle will become the lowest cost DCI carrier and the 50 seaters will continue to operate for some time.
Then the 16 900's that are being returned along with the 70 additional 900's that will be allowed over the next 3 yrs (assuming the Delta pilot's TA passes) will be used in 2 for 1 trades will other DCI carriers to divest the remainder of 50 seaters from the DCI fleet.
Last edited: