Originally Posted by
CRM114
While you may be an expert at deadheading to Europe in the middle seat to fly back in the same duty period, you obviously have no clue as to the legacy in the Pacific that United enjoys, or more accurately enjoyed. As the Pacific route structure is systematically dismantled and route authority lost, it's clear that those running the airline also suck at running an airline.
Funny guy. Since I never flew to Europe on the 75, I can't speak for the deadheading issue. I spend my time excusively in Asia and India.
I can however remind you that prior to 1985 United was a domestic carrier with no international presence to speak of. The legacy you speak of was that of Pan Am whose assets United purchased as a way of cracking the Pacific market. Bob Six brought CAL to the Pacific long before United flew its first international flight. Just like Guam used to fly DC-10s throughout the Pacific, things have changed. United pulled out of the NRT-HKG market long before this merger came along. It was tried again and as is often the case, a route failed to develop into a profitable run and the equipment will be sent somewhere else where it can make money. Legacies don't make money, profitable routes do. Not to mention, UCH is not losing route authorities by restructuring routes, those authorities still exist.