I'm in the top 3%, with 12 years to go, can I respond?
We, the top 33%, have been screaming about the loss of our wide body flying for a long time. At least 10-15 years. We can do simple math. We understand that when Delta started to code share with Air France, and we cut our flying to Paris, while A/F bought a whole bunch of new 777's to fly to the States, it was not good for Delta Pilots.
At one time, 20 years ago, Delta had 55 L10-11's. We don't have that many wide bodies now, after a huge merger!
But Richard knows he cannot compete with Emirates, dollar for dollar, flight for flight, due to their cheaper financing deals through the IMEX bank deals, and all their other cost advantages. They don't ever have to make money, they can (and will) flood any market with cheap, empty seats, and drive the US Carriers out.
Why do you think DALPA and Richard have been fighting this? And who do you think is hurt more when they cut Wide Body flying? Wide Body Pilots, (the top 33%, most of whom are in their mid 50's and still have 2-3 contracts to get through) or 717 pilots?
We all want more wide body flying. Now, how do you propose to force Delta to do it? Oh, and are you, in the bottom 66%, an ALPA PAC supporter? The azzhats in DC make the rules, we need to pay them to see things "Our Way". Sad, but that's what this is about.