Most of the retirement of 2007 were already accounted for in the last bid. This bid truly reflects August, 2007 through January 15, 2008.

Regarding the comment about slowing hiring to reduce furlough fodder, that doesn't make sense. For starters, airlines are going to staff for pilots as they need them with little regard to future furloughs. Secondly, even if a merger is announced, you're looking at a couple of years before complete integration. In the meantime, CAL would have to continue with it's current business plan just in case the merger falls through (similar to the USAir and United deal that fell apart).

This bid is simply a reflection of zero aircraft delieveries. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.