I think ACL is right on this and most of his other observations regarding this topic. Everyone keeps parroting the anti trust concerns cited by "analysts" in the news media. Outsider opinions regarding anti trust issues probably won't play a major role in shaping the actions attempted by Delta or any other airline.

Regarding AMR and DAL. Delta has been acting like a company preparing to incur much more debt. Aggressively paying down debt has demonstrated the ability to service a larger amount of debt than we currently carry. Our early pilot contract demonstrates to potential lenders the predictability of expenses going forward.

The last few weeks have seen United announce an agreement in principle with their pilots, and they recently announced an expedited negotiation timeline with their machinists with a November 15 deadline for entry into mediation. There are other likely reasons for that deadline... but I find that date interesting.

During contract negotiations, there was a thread on the DALPA forum where one of the more current posters simply asked "Why?" Why was the company interested in an immediate contract? I'm not of the opinion that a scope modification was the only issue.

In a number of different communications from those connected to DALPA, reference was made to Delta's potential involvement in further consolidation going forward.

I feel like it's been pretty much spelled out that if it benefits the company, Delta is going attempt to be a player in any potential consolidation scenario. Does anyone think RA is going to sit on his hands while he allows Parker and Horton to seize the initiative and shape the battlefield going forward?

I'm not speaking to or predicting any specific result. The less interesting results here with respect to Delta are probably the most likely, but the management teams and every other airline besides American wouldn't be doing their jobs if they didn't try to take this or any other opportunity to capitalize or at a minimum, make American's emergence from bankruptcy more painful and expensive.

I'll go ahead and abandon any credibility here by admitting that I think the most prescient post on this topic I have read was by gold guy on the DALPA forums... I hope I don't misrepresent his thoughts, but he basically said that the fate of American would be decided by the corporate entity capable of incurring and servicing the largest amount of debt. A look around the industry yields a couple potential contenders.

@Nu, well said... but as long as this discussion sticks to the general discussion and speculation about the industry and stays away from reference to any party's benefit due to the losses of another, I think this should be able to be discussed. That said, I'm proud of the American pilots for their vote on the TA and am hoping for the outcome that results in the best future possible for all of them.