The pilot group has immense leverage right now, both in timing and in scheduling ladder. Until a TA is reached (and likely after) we are each enjoying the movement of 2,000+ bodies being hired this year and indefinite 200% flying for all seniority levels; which is likely way to short of where we need to be with our work rules.

Completion factor is suffering by the way. The flights operating (95% of our flights) are leading the industry on on-time performance (vast majority of our passengers aren’t seeing anything wrong). There will be no negative impact to profit due to this CF issue. It’s a metric management clearly wants to correct asap, but to pretend it’s anything but leverage for pilots is hilarious.

In fact., will likely end the year with record revenue and since Delta is best positioned in this economic environment our profit gap will widen between DL and UA. United still has a two labor group contracts to go, SFO, ORD, and EWR are FAA constrained, they have no fortress hubs to control pricing power, and they have no ancillary revenue income via non-aircraft associated stream like MRO or refinery + their JV/CC revenue streams are much weaker. This is why they’re cutting more flying, slowing hiring, and ramping up the old jet retirements. Personally, very excited to see UA lose ground in Q2 and beyond when so many of you think differently.

This Summer will be a **** show guaranteed, but it will not meaningfully affect the bottom line. Delta is in by far the best position to weather this environment due to its revenue streams and disciplined growth past few years. Pilot group, again, has a ton of leverage with Delta’s economic health showing no signs of weakening. Meanwhile, UA labor groups continue to go without raises while Delta employees get a 5th raise in years before United groups get anything.