Apparently Dave Siegel has hinted (according to other posts) that there will be big RJ/SJ news in the coming weeks. However, I also understand that financing (at least for MDA and the WO's) is not available until U emerges from Chapter 11. With the current shortfall on the revenue side (and no end in sight) and the announcement of further cuts and concessions needed, can we confidently expect the timetable to remain intact?
Also, the ERJ-170/175, which seems to be the current front runner for MDA, is not due for final certification until 2Q 2003; I would expect production and deliveries, not to mention training, proving runs, and associated logistics to push any startup date well into late 2003. Unless another available aircraft type (CRJ-700?) is chosen, it will be another year before U can mount any effective counterattack against the already active fleets of RJs other carriers are using to encroach on our markets.
Deployment of 37-50 seat SJs at the WOs could be done at any time, unless the financing issue mentioned above is correct. This leaves only the contract carriers, who (except maybe MESA) seem not to be interested in J4J.
So, exactly what is the current plan for the aircraft that are supposed to be the savior of our company? Anybody have any guesses? I'm sitting here with 17 years invested at a WO, and don't yet see much light at the end of the tunnel.....