This last month Mesa announced it had reached an agreement with United to take delivery of 30 EMB 175 Jets over the next two years.
The Mesa numbers on this website have been updated to reflect the additional pilots needed. Mesa Pilot Demand Forecast. Mesa Airlines should see strong demand for pilots over the next two years.
With Mesa’s longtime reputation among the industry as a bottom-feeder among peers with regards to compensation/workrules and employee moral it should remain interesting to see if and how they are able to attract and retain pilot talent.
Mesa’s storied history has included a Bankruptcy filing and cancellation of a Delta contract due to poor operational performance and reliability, among other events. For now United seems content to ensure their success. Time will tell whether United’s move will help Mesa compete for additional EMB 175 flying at the new American where it has developed long-term relationships with the US Airways management.
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/01/05/mesa-air-group-files-for-bankruptcy/?ref=mesaairgroupinc&_r=0
