Ryan is right, that loss, for all practical purposes, is meaningless.
Tell that to your retirees, the PBGC, bond and tranch holders, et al. 20 Billion reflects just how bad the businees plan was. If it was meaningless, the hard working employees of United took a double haircut for naught. Their cuts went right into the pockets of the bankruptcy lawyers...maybe a little to the oil companies. Did you get a Christmas Card from either??
But, with that said, I understand your position. It is believed that once the stock is launch, it's increase will make everybody whole again. We will see. I'm actually rooting for it because I understand the PBGC got a big chunk of it. I'd like to see retirees get something back.
Maybe we will have another Google,eh? Of course, it's all based on $50 bbl oil. Let's hope.