Originally Posted by
Timbo
I don't have the annual reports in front of me, but I believe the most money Delta ever made, was in about 2000-2001, about $1.2 Billlion, for the year.
We just made 1.04Billion in a QUARTER, adjusted to $764 Million, but still, that's for a Quarter.
Now, I know Delta, due to the merger is bigger now, but in 2001, the day before 9-11, we had over 10,400 pillots on just the south list, which is only about 1,200 fewer than we have today, after merging with the 5,000+ NW pilots.
So, if you say Delta had a larger margin, in 2001, I'm sure they did, they also had less debt.
BUT...the fact is, Delta is making a bunch of money today, and we settled quickly for 4,8,3,3. What makes you think we will get more than that in 2015, regardless of Delta's income?
Yes. In "hard numbers" DAL is making lots of cash, but the debt load is much higher now than it was then and also the airline was about 55% of the current size. The profits would have to DOUBLE to see a relative profit to what DAL had then.
You are correct the debt load needs to be reduced also to get rid of the interest expense, so maybe it would need to double PLUS another amount on top of that to be able to provide the environment for a C2K like contract.
Also "United +" was extremely helpful for C2K..... How's that working out for us right now? Ugh, and I don't see them being too helpful going forward....