Originally Posted by
boiler07
Do you honestly think he'll consolidate wholly owneds before bringing others in first? I think an air wisconsin acquisition is more likely in the near future than what you described. It makes more sense for him to try to drive all the other regionals out of business, or simply to a weaker point where they can be acquired for cheap. It builds up his wholly owned model, supports his flow baby, and helps insure that AAG has control over the very last of the available regional lift going into the years ahead.
Where have I stated one will occur before the other ? "Consolidation" has many forms and paths and outside acquisition is but one method. As for Parker driving "all" the other regionals out of business (or thinking he can) and/or of the belief he can "acquire them for cheap", Delta just proved they are willing to pony up the ca$h to block any monopoly in that respect and you can be sure UAL will too. If you think Parker has all the aces in the deck and can play them at his leisure, you are terribly misguided IMO.
The dynamics of this industry don't cater themselves to any one player and all too frequently all of the players are controlled by the dynamics of the situation, not the other way around. Timing and uncontrollable factors usually dictate each situation and no one has a crystal ball in that respect, including Parker so assuming and planning your future on that is a Fool's errand.
Let's face it, Parker is better at REacting then he is at being PROactive anyway.