Who says they're sitting idly by. I promise you that a management team, capable of stashing so much cash, isn't just watching this happen without a plan. They probably knew this was coming a year ago, and they probably have a play in progress. However, just because it isn't happening now, doesn't mean it's not happening at all. I assure you stuff is going on behind the scenes, and it's probably already happened- just not been made public yet. Get ready, it's coming, and when it does, it's going to be big.
I'm still laughing at the people here that think the rebranding was a hollow statement. Talk about instant gratification- many want the "vision" and they want it NOW. Just sit tight, and let things roll. Control what you can control (the airplane), and let management control what they control (business models). I'd have to say that their track record speaks for itself. They're getting stuff done, and they're poised to be not just a survivor, but a heavyweight fighter. They didn't become the "darling" of the regional airline industry by being foolish and fallin off the turnip truck.
I will say that I was WAY off in my guess as to the future of Compass and Mesaba. However, this may not be done playing out yet. A hostile take over of the parent companies involved may be on the horizon. Nobody truly knows. I had it figured that we were going to snag bits of Mesaba once the Saabs were gone. I will say, however, that I still see more 900's from Mesa in the form of USAirways flying, if we secure assets and guard our intrests if USAirways were to liquidate; much the same as we set up with our United flying. I think we're poised to grow big time, and it isn't the cool aid that tells me this- it's common sense, and what I see............