Originally Posted by Bluedriver

I don't have all the answers, obviously. We have seen airlines lose money for a LONG time and take on a LOT of debt (AA) and survive until things improve. But it's notable that the airlines that are doing the best right now are doing so because of the scale and network they achieved through previous mergers... And of course their international networks, which was also largely enhanced through previous mergers.

So JB staying small/independent and just trying to grind it out against these giant airlines, one of which is actively trying to snuff the airline out entirely, I don't think is a viable plan. The mergers have given those big airlines the scale to lose money intentionally on routes they compete with JB, because they can just make it up on all the routes they have a virtual monopoly on in their fortress hubs. I think the best outcome is to get a quick resolution from the courts, and for JB management to do what they have to do to get all JB+NK employees rowing in the same direction while corporate focuses on executing a fleet/network integration the best they can. I believe the recent changes to JB pilot profit sharing is just step one towards a full JB+NK company plan, and if you've had a front row seat to how that transformed the way Delta employees treat their customers it would give you some hope.

Spirit customers are not high value customers, nor are they frequent flyers. We are chasing them or needing them, or even really want them en mass. We will be realigning the product and network to take more of the big 4s customers, and to be more attractive to our own customers.