United pilots union opposes more large jets at regional partners

Pilots at United Airlines are striking back at the carrier's push to add more large regional jets at its partners, arguing that growth targets can be met within existing limits. "[United] doesn’t need scope relief and has the ability to accomplish our growth strategy today," said Todd Insler, chairman of the ALPA United master executive council, in a letter to pilots March 13. United can add more large regional jets to its fleet if they are flown by mainline pilots, or if it adds a new small mainline aircraft, he says. The comments come as executives at United continue to push for the ability to add more 76-seat aircraft, like the Embraer 175, at regional partners. The two-class aircraft are needed for the airline to be competitive in smaller markets, executives say. <br/>