Originally Posted by
routemap
According to CAL's pre hearing statement, United lost 7.8 billion from 2000 to 2010. While CAL earned 1.0 billion.
Compared to UAL, our fleet was modern and we had airframes on order. What did UAL have on order at the end of 2009? I believe nothing. We might of been at a dead heat in 2008 and 2009 financially, but our airlines were headed in different directions as pointed out in our statement.
and I completely agree, good to get this behind us! In the long run, i think this merger will benefit all of us. As long as our so very talented senior managers don't screw it up.
Between 1998 and 2000 UAL earned more money than the entire airline industry earned in the history of aviation. That didn't stop UAL from entering bankruptcy 3 years later. Past results are no indication of the future especially after paradigm shifting events like 9/11, SARs, and the Deta/Northwest merger. CAL's results prior to 2008 are arguably irrelevant , but again one can use them in an argument if one finds it reassuring. The question remains whether or not independent minds will agree.
The central question involves whether or not one believes further industry consolidation was inevitable or not. If not then CAL surely had the brighter future, if yes then UAL had the more certain future.