OK. I'm probably about the last person to have any idea about what Delta plans to do with Comair.
However, Comair was ramping up to hire 300 new pilots 16 months ago. The brakes were suddenly applied and the furloughs announced at the same time that Mesa won the injunction to prevent Delta from canceling Mesa's contract. Coincidence? I don't think so.
We all know that Comair doesn't take a pi$$ without Delta's permission. Someone told the recruiting department to start hiring a buttload of pilots based on some word from Delta.
In June of 2008, delta had many options for regional lift. They chose Comair for a reason. They also halted Comair for a reason. That reason is because it is easier to reduce flying for Comair than any of the other contractors.
At this time, more than ever, it all comes down to performance and cost.
COST: Comair was always getting beat up on the cost issue because they have a more senior workforce and therefore more pilots near the top of the pay scale. I wonder if the current stagnation at all regionals will result in a higher longevity level for other regional tha Comair competes against. Could level the playing field for Comair costwise.
PERFORMANCE: I don't know how Comair compares right now but if I was there I would want to be turning out some good performance numbers.
just my $0.02 worth.