As pilots we discuss threats to the safe operation of our flight every day we fly. It's an integral part of our job and at the core of what we do. Yet when a small group of our union leadership request direct at low altitude through thunderstorms and mountainous terrain because they want to be home before dinner, we should just nod in compliance and go along with it? It's the dangest thing I've ever seen. Seriously.

Listen, I'm sure Donetelli is a great drinking buddy and fun to be around while on FPL, but at this point his credibility is shot. The further he continues to recite rehearsed lines of "on time on target, turning the corner, taking charge, blah blah blah" ignoring the incongruence of his message vs the facts, he embarrasses himself and the union.

There are many gotchas in this TA. As pilots should we not speak up if the captain is departing our flight plan with threats that could cause damage to the rest of our careers?

And while this is all going on, with pilot risk off the table, management brazenly launders six billion $!! and openly discusses the next airline they will take equity in to outsource Delta pilot flying.

Delta Air Lines looks to strengthen global partnerships | Reuters

"Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) is hoping to strengthen partnerships with carriers in South Korea, Mexico and Brazil, and it has been approached about investing in Japan's bankrupt Skymark Airlines, Delta's president Ed Bastian told reporters Monday.

A Skymark investment could pave the way for greater Delta service to Asia, where U.S. airlines are competing vigorously to grow.

Delta is also interested in growing its relationship with long-time partner Korean Air Lines Co Ltd (003490.KS) after their ties were weakened by Delta's acquisition of Northwest Airlines, which already had extensive Asian routes and competed with KAL, Bastian said.

"We've been working hard with our Korean colleagues to reestablish a solid base for the relationship," he said. "I'm optimistic we'll find an answer" on how to proceed.

Delta is eyeing growth through partnerships across the Pacific, too.

The airline recently petitioned the U.S. government for antitrust immunity in a joint venture with Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV (AEROMEX.MX) and Bastian said Delta already has about a 17-percent stake in the carrier.

"We're working on" replicating alliances like the one Delta has with Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd [VA.UL], where Delta's stake is 49 percent, Bastian said.

Antitrust immunity would help the two airlines coordinate schedules and prices for U.S.-Mexico flights.

Delta said it sees the potential for an antitrust immunized joint venture with Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (GOL.N) as well, although that is "a little further behind" because the Brazilian airline does not operate as many international routes."



Scratching my head.