That opportunity was lost the day they announced the merger and let Smisek run the combined airline.

The airline industry is rife with idiot bean counters and lawyers attempting to micromanage what once was a service business. Maybe someday the legions of ignorant Board of Directors will see this and let the Operation type's back in the door to run things.

Only 500 commercial pilot certificates were applied for last year, supposedly the lowest amount on record. This profession is probably past the point of no return unless we collectively right the foundering ship.