Originally Posted by TANSTAAFL

Most of the hiring and growth prognostications with LGA were generated by the MEC, Lee Moak in particular.

This is a different animal - the prosperity of our immediate futures is tied to Asia, and HND is in the cross hairs at the moment. Getting the SEA-HND slot won't nessicarily net us jobs, but losing it might cost us jobs, or slow down growth at the least. If the Japanese get away with isolating US flag carriers from HND while they use it as a primary O&D international port, the remaining beach and transfer traffic out of NRT will result in a huge pullback from Japan. Eventual 787 overflights will still not recapture the O&D we get with Fifth Freedom rights.

If we don't get access to HND and the international O&D I would anticipate furloughs, stagnation, and hiring pushed back for years until retirements eat up the difference.