Originally Posted by NoHaz

I know the rumor pops up frequently but it kind of seems like a required fit at this point. We aren't hiring and have no plans too which will quickly lead to us being way behind in manning. Additionally, a new contract with retirement improvements will likely lead to a huge chunk of senior guys leaving, many on the 777. On the airframe side of the equation we have a questionable MD-11 return schedule, aging Airbus and 757, and no significant future airframe orders. Even if we announced a huge order tomorrow the airplanes would trickle in for years. Taking in Atlas brings 13 777s and 25 767s with crew and 747s we can throw at the orange freight pallet market that we keep saying we want to expand into. Hopefully the new agreed scope section has some protections for us if this comes to pass.