The only problem with the EMB-170 is that it is an unproven aircraft in actual flight operations. I'm sure the fine folks at Embraer have worked very hard to ensure this aircraft meets all of the performance targets that it is advertising. Sure, there will be teething problems, but those types of things occur with every new design that comes to market. Many of the features of this aircraft have already been proven on the EMB-120 Brasilia and the ERJ-135 and 145. So where is the problem? I think there are a lot of people out there who see this aircraft as a threat because for the first time since the F-28 and F-100, pay scales for ALPA members are being rooled back rather than increased. I can't be sure, but I think ALPA was the group that initiated the pay scales that were based on the number of seats in each aircraft, and since these aircraft have less seats than an A230 family plane, ALPA is very afraid that Dave and Co. will replace A320 and B737 flying with these aircraft. Well, I hate to alarm you Sparky, but that is EXACTLY what they want to do. Right now, US operates A320 and B737 family airfcraft on routes that don't make any money or and sense, especially when you can take a new design with better fuel efficiency and fil lthe damn thing rather than flying with a 70% load factor. It only makes sense. The A320 and B737 aircraft will be deployed to longer stage length and new domestic and Carribbean markets while the EMB-170 will be used to feed these new markets. How stupid can the average pilot, flight attendant, ramp worker, and mechanic be to NOT understand this concept? Dave is on to something and if he can bring people to the hubs in EMB-170's at a profitable rate and transfer them to A320 and B737 aircraft for the long haul, US will eat WN and JB's lunch and have money left over to meet the ATSB loan requirements and those of Dr. Bronner. This war among the unions reminds me of the road sign I used to see in my neighborhood.... Slow..Children Playing.
Well, union types are just that, SLOW to see the big picture. Any they are merely children - playing with the future of US Airways by resisting what is needed to make US prosper into the future.