is Southwestern Air really independent when the largest shareholder is DHL, and DHL owns and leases the planes to Southwestern?
Even if you can claim the board or management of Southwestern is "independent" what, exactly, can they do? all their inputs are literally owned by DHL.
Why not allow foreign airlines to fly domestic US routes? DHL would buy the other 51% and make the ownership clear. They only have to use these vague relationships because of US regulation that tries to protect domestic players.
While they undoubtedly contribute, putting all the blame on their shoulders seems a bit silly.