Hey Dash, pssssst. You are full of BS. Where do I start?
First of all, please take a look at Mesa's pilot contract?
http://www.mesapilots.com/ How is it inferior to any of the quality airlines you reference? As a quick test, look at the BK records and divide pilot pay by the number of pilots. Compare this number with the rest of the industry. Hint; Mesa is on the high side of the analysis. Also, while there is talk of Management cancelling PBS and removing some of the benefits, this hasn't happened yet and it isn't likely to happen. I have seen several letters from Management to the MAG - MEC and it is clear that there is a sincere interest by both parties in resolving the disputes underlying this issue.
While it may be sporty to come on here with an anonymous screen name and make up BS intended to bash Mesa, there are simply no facts to support these allegations.
Here are some publicly disclosed facts for you all to consider.
- Mesa is the number one operator in the Delta system based on CCF, TCF, and A-14. This has been true for the last six consecutive months. They also have the best inflight performance of any regional based on Delta's own data - (see court records).
- Mesa is the number one operator in the US Airways system based on the same metrics. They have held this position for more than three years.
- In the UAL system Mesa, in spite of a 5% point disadvantage basd on its city pair schedule (flying into the ATC and weather challenged Northeast cities) improved its D-0 performance by 15% pts year over year. Overall CCF at United is a very competitive 99.1% for the ful year 2009.
So in fact, contrary to common concensus, Mesa is among the BEST operators in the industry. Oh those pesky facts keep getting in the way of your perceived reality. I hate it when that happens. Here are a few more facts for you to consider.
- Delta wanted to agressively reduce capacity when fuel peaked and (per the judge - acted in "BAD FAITH" cancelling the Freedom contract.) This will cost them in the BK.
- United didn't renew with Mesa because Sky West put up $118 million and Express Jet gave them 40% of the company. These decision had nothing at all to do with Mesa's performance. Both Sky West and Express Jet acted out of desperation because Mesa's lessors were about to cave on rents. This is an an indication of bad things to come at other "Quality Regional Airlines".
- Bottom line - There are simply too many 50 seat jets in the market place and their corresponding leases and contracts our not in synch. This is the only reason for the Mesa BK and will be the reason for future regional bankruptcies. You can be certain that Mesa will simply reject the excess leases and come out even stronger and even more competitive than it is today.
I am stunned that you folks cannot see how self defeating this type of behavior is. On behalf of the 3,400 people who work hard every day at Mesa trying to earn a living in this crappy industry, I suggest that you back off and take a look in the mirror.
You are looking at your future - enjoy the view.