Originally Posted by
Wheels up
I think I misunderstood. I suppose they could if they set up a legalistic shell game like RAH. However, I think the market value of AE is poor given its antiquated fleet and overcapacity in the commuter market now.
Technically speaking... if Eagle was spun off, and all aircraft that were doing AA feed got moved onto the Eagle certificate (ATRs from Executive to Eagle). Then the Executive certificate would be open to expansion for any/all aircraft. This is how RAH set up CHQ and has it separate from the other certificates. Also interesting to note, I
believe Executive already has operating certificate privileges for an amazing amount of area through the caribbean, mexico, central and south america. Most areas current unused.
Originally Posted by
Wheels up
From its attempt to sell AE last year, it would seem that AMR would rather contract out it's small jets and be rid of AE. How scope shakes out in the next contract will be pivotal. I see rigid opposition to any give on 76-seat narrow bodies even among the few most fervent company-concessionistas AA pilots.
I disagree that AMR would rather contract out all feed flying. I believe the announcement to sell previously was due to the massive growth regional carriers were seeing, and they were in high demand. If AMR could have sold Eagle at a large profit they would have. There were several interested carriers (Skywest, RAH) but when AMR told them the strings attatched they declined to buy.
If AMR owns their feed flying they are basically paying themselves to do work. Taking money from one pocket and moving it to another. If they contract out flying, they are paying money to a 3rd party and will never see that money again. Even if Eagle lost money I bet it would still be more profitable than paying someone else to do it.
Im sure AMR will contract some other carriers to do a small portion of feed flying, strictly for whipsaw purposes when 2012 comes around and the Eagle contract is up.
I understand not wanting to give concessions, but if APA refuses and AMR goes into BK will the ultimate outcome be the same regarding scope? Wouldn't it be preferable to negotiate something (pay raises/QOL/benefits) in exchange for something that the company will get one way or another?
In a perfect world I would wish APA could hold the line, create more mainline jobs, higher pay, etc. In the real world, I want AMR to be able to compete and remain in business as a competitive carrier.