According to Uncle Dave''s weekly message it is not scheduled to start up until the 1st qrt of 2004 (Jan, Feb, Mar). Also, from his post...due to a software upgrade needed, Embraer cannot certify the aircraft until November. As for bases, cities, etc...I have heard nothing about that. As far as I know right now PIT will be the only base. I am sure that is only short term. And yes, there are many people already over at MDA in RIDC. An airline isn''t born...it is built. Someone has to start it....right?