Originally Posted by
CousinEddie
UAL's downfall was a result of a permanet shift in industry dynamics that started with deregulation. CAL's downfall occurred much earlier in this shift, resulting in two CH11 filings. The only good to come out of that for CAL was that they were already slimmed down for the post 9-11 / LCC rise era. UAL, having not been through a CH11 "cleansing" yet, obviously was not.
This is the type of thinking that drives large corporations to bankruptcy. When you blame external factors for your own shortcoming you are leading yourself down the path of further degradation.
Take another look at the 1990's (perhaps you were playing with paddles, but I was working in the industry). United, Delta, and American (but particularly United) outgrew the market. The rapid advancement that the UAL pilots experienced at that time was the result of poor management. CAL also grew in this period, but nowhere near the extent of UAL. When the economy turned, CAL was is a much better position because they did not overextend in the late 90's. UAL got bit.
Rather than blaming deregulation, take a real look at what went on back then. As much disdain as I have for management, I am relieved that they are not recklessly growing the airline.