Honestly I don't know what is achievable. When you look at the 2013 pilot cost numbers they don't help us a bit. Not one other airline has stepped up since 2002 and done anything. There are also a lot of varibles yet to be determined. The obvious big one is the political landscape. That is why we have a lot of smart people working for us. I already put a post up on how the process works. We will have to feel out the NMB and then make a judgement on how much political pressure we can bring upon them when needed. We will have to look at future projected earnings. Perhaps most important of all will be providing a road map of how we anticipate a new contract forcing other airlines to our level.
Asking for a minimum of 20% up front would end talks at that point. Management will simply ride the process. It will be a long and bumpy ride for us and we won't be allowed off the wagon until the NMB views us as being reasonable. RA is a smart man and understands costs as well as anyone. He would never allow his costs in any area to get that far out of control.
What I want in the end is somewhat irrelevant. I can tell you this however. A 3 year contract that provides a 20% increase in compensation over the 3 years without any degradation in work rules along with a 2% bump in retirement will ratify easily if it's done by the amendable date. Flame away!