A new line in the sand?

Long-time industry analyst Jim Parker offered an interesting point in his opening remarks recently at the Raymond James Growth Airline conference.

Parker thinks as employee groups seek to regain some concessions made early last decade as a host of carriers spent time in Chapter 11, there could be some leeway in the size of jets flown by mainline regional partners.

He sees a potential to renegotiate current scope clauses to move the dial from 70-seats to 90-seats.

SkyWest CFO Brad Rich is certainly keen on the idea -- but he's also aware of the sensitivity of regionals operating larger jets creates at mainline pilot groups.

Sensitive indeed -- when my colleague Mary Kirby wrote about a potential stretched E-195X, and that American might have an interest, I prodded the pilots. They unequivocally told me that flying belongs to them. Of course, the stretch would be larger than the current 115-seat E-195, so you could see why mainline pilots believe they should operate the aircraft.

Still, it is something interesting to watch as contract talks continue at some of the US majors.

In the mean time, enjoy this fun, but totally unrelated E-195 promotional video from Brazilian carrier Azul.