It is imperative that we keep our eyes on what other airlines are doing in terms of contract renewal. Personally, I could care less what the the current 737 or 787 contract rates are at other carriers. I am a lot more concerned with what their next contract rate will be.

I think which ever airline of the big 4 signs first is not only going to set the bar for pay rates, work rules, LTD, inflation protection and healthcare, but be at a huge disadvantage. The benefactors are going to be the pilots of the other carriers. I have no problem delaying to let another carrier go first.

I think we should be aggressive in pursuing all avenues to move toward a contract, but I really do not want Southwest to be the first to sign. However, we need to be in position to leverage everything we have immediately following that signature.