Originally Posted by
John Pennekamp
Given the choice which would you do?
NWA made 1.3 billion last year and plans to hire like crazy. With it's monopoly hubs, huge Asian presence, and shoestring budget, it will probably plod on until it merges with someone (Delta?) The DC-9s are going away, but huge attrition should make up for the airframe loss. All signs point to the Compass E-175s eventually being flown by mainline.
UAL: Undevoted management, huge labor trouble, losing money, moderate Asian presence, fierce competition in its largest hub. But great potential with the right management team. Great group of employees I fit in well with. Lots of great contacts. My hometown airline. Titanic watch, or hit rock bottom?
So what would you do? Please no "are you nuts, they both suck" comments, because we've already heard all of that here. If you had to choose one of the other, which would you choose and why?
Go to UA since you think you'll fit in better. Otherwise, I think NW has a better future, however that being said, UA never ceases to amaze me. They've got staying power for all sorts of situations.
I do not think NW will merge with Delta. I think NW "merge" plans are in the acquisition of MidWest (through TPG deal), and enhanced code shares.
I also think NW will book extraordinary income at some point in the future through the IPO of Compass or Mesaba.. which will undoubtedly provide them with alot of cash and some income for providing this regional lift. But, since there is a apparent pilot shortage, perhaps CPZ will become part of NW which will be great for LIFE and myself - so long as we don't have to see year 1 NW pay!