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I suppose it would be good for the industry if TSA and Chicago Express flew them?
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I think the issue here is that Mesa (and for that matter, TSA, Chicago Express, et al) would fly them at a far lower rate than anyone else in the business.
In fact, many folks would scream "yipee!" even if they're making $5/hr more than the CL-65 and rationalize it with "Well, it's not a lot more, but I'm getting a type out of it and can apply at SWA to fly it for real money."
Then everyone else with "rational" 737 rates would have the new Mesa (TSX/C8/Whatever) rates thrown in their face and management would say "Here, we want THIS, you're overpaid flybloy!" just like what happened after American slashed their rates.
I'm not trying to player-hate here, but that's just my personal, unqualified opinion.