Sink r8

Looks like we're all typing roughly the same thing at the same time...

I'll take the day off.

Regards,

Sink r8.

acl65pilot

There could be, and I truly think that DAL has a two motivators here. First, they have recently have stated in public that they are in talks with AMR over their new terminal. AMR has not moved to the level DAL has wanted. Second, Open Skies negotiations are being done with the new Japanese government and the US. This undermines the value of our investment in NRT. Because of this DAL needs to find a way to protect their investment.
Both of these are very important to our company and their long term plans. Both involve on some level AMR. The easy way out of the JFK mess is just to buy existing real estate. the easy way out of the exposure in NRT, is to get the Japanese government to grant them slots at Haneda. DAL wants to preserve their access to the number two GDP in the world.

Now with the news of DAL being in talks with JAL for a majority/minority etc share of the airline, DAL in talks with AMR over the terminal in JFK, and DAL needing to protect both areas, we see DAL doing some serious gamesmanship. AMR alone does not have the cash to inject what JAL really needs, or wants, and keep themselves solvent. Two billion dollars is a lot.

Like I stated DAL may just be looking for slots at Haneda, and will raise the price for AMR to keep JAL as an alliance partner. The in the end would weaken their financial position no matter how much they invest, opening up the need for cash generation. In my eyes this is what DAL is trying to do.

They may get stuck with JAL which is good. They may get some new real estate which is good, or they may get nothing and as a result a competitor is going to have to expend a lot of money to thwart them off. Either way DAL is working hard at making AMR make decisions when they do not want to. DAL is just speeding up the time table on a few things.

I like the way they are thinking, and as you I am cautiously optimistic. I like the way my bosses, bosses, bosses are thinking and acting. It is new for DAL.

NuGuy

Heyas,

I agree with Sink. Another thing is I would not count out UAL or LCC any time soon. We've all heard the "they won't last the winter" far too many times. Airlines are like zombies...hard to put down, and spend their time making things hard for the living.

What this might do is put a crimp in LCCs plans if there was any activity with AMR. AMR will have to marshal their resources and LCC might be left out if they were counting on some quick cash.

Nu

Wasatch Phantom

I also welcome the philosophical change from RA II and company.

Historically Delta (from C.E. Woolman through Dave Garrett) was conservatively managed from both growth and financial stewardship perspectives. They missed out on a number of possibilities, but still prospered.

The Ron Allen and Leo Mullin years were charcterized by lousy management from both perspectives; poor decisions in terms of growing the company and simultaneously decimating the financial strength of Delta.

Richard Anderson and his team seem to genuinely be looking for opportunities, wherever they may find them. They also seem to "get it" in terms of labor.

I can honestly say for the first time in my (nearly 20 year) career at Delta I am proud of our senior management and have confidence in them.

When the economy turns around, this is going to be a fun ride....

bgmann

I told you guy's! Can't say I didn't!

ToiletDuck

That should be your sig it's too good