I think you're missing the point. If there is a new carrier to fly for, for example, there will be a transition period where AWA will not be able to provide services for the new carrier until they finish their contract with the old carrier. Then, you must get the Opspecs realigned for the new carrier so you can service their airports etc. The airline will have to pay many of the employees to sit around during that time. Plus, you can't exactly fly UAL flights with AA painted A/C... Finally, much more sitting around time must be paid while you train the employees to operate an entirely different fleet, if that were to happen....