Why don't we all agree to stop the 15 pages of "My Regional is better than your regional." wang measuring and take a step back.
Go put on a pair of boxers, and relax a bit. Maybe have a Jack, neat.
Now, are you more comfy? Good.
Let's look at the lay of the land. We'll start with the obvious and work down the list.
1) Republic is in contract negotiations. They have been for several years. There will be a new contract with new terms. NO ONE knows what that will be. Could be great, could be terrible. Any assumptions in any direction are wrong, and do nothing but beat the hornet's nest.
2) Republic is walking away from the regional industry. If you can't see that, don't comment on the thread. They are no longer a peer to regionals. They used the CPA/Fixed Fee agreements to acquire and pay off a fleet of jets to compete against those other airlines. Now they will have an unencumbered fleet that will require salaries, fuel and maintenance.
3) They bought 2 major airlines. They aren't a regional any more.
4) There will be a huge culture shift there. The outcome? Anyone's guess.
5) Buying the C-series is a hedge. Exactly what they did with the E145 series and EJets. You buy POSITIONS on a line at a DISCOUNT at this point. When his number comes up, does he need the jet or not?
If he doesn't, he sells a "you can't get it" position to the highest bidder.
Win.
If he needs it, and it does make it's performance claims, you have a very efficient asset on the cheap.
Win.
6) When contract '03 was signed everyone said we were stupid for having payscales for equipment that didn't exist. It shouldn't be any different now. Those airplanes are NOT on property and any CBA signed at this time will be in the amendment process.
7) According to the sooth-sayers, RAH will be out of business anyway, so it won't matter.
Please do some critical analysis of your thoughts before posting what you feel is a popular opinion.