700 seems high, but 420+ attrition is about right 42 new jets at 10 pilots per jet. We also are taking our options on the 25 CRJ-700 to bring the total to 50. Last number I heard 16 in DFW and 34 in ORD. Not enough pilots bid CRJ FO ORD so pilots will be recalled to those positions. Eagle has not been the best place the past 2 years due to the fact that we went from a 230+ prop fleet down to about a 70- prop fleet. But things are starting to improve. EMB Jet CA is down to 6.5 CRJ at 8.5 and prop at 5 years. Growth by base in 2004. 46% ORD total 700 pilots 26% DFW 640 pilots, MIA & SJU flat, BOS flat, LGA and LAX 6%. And the possible RDU base opening. 2005 will also be a big year of 40+ jets. Hope that helps. Good luck..
P.S. People always bitch about the upgrade time but when I got hired at Eagle, everyone else was pay for training and most companies were also 8+ years for upgrade.....