For pilots to even agree to concessions, Delta has to offer more than saving 1721 pilots from furlough. The offer probably comes with a big carrot at the end, I imagine, or some amazing QOL improvement right now. Delta is looking for a small win at this point, an excuse to not go through the onerous process of furloughing. It wants to be able to tell the other employee groups that pilots took some cuts as well -- and tell the media machine that Delta hasn't laid off a single employee. One thing I gathered from Ed on the webcast is that he wants a deal. He mentioned a couple of times that both parties need to go into a room, 'lock the door' and not come out until a deal is hammered out. It sounds like Delta hasn't given its last, best offer and would entertain a counter offer.