Originally Posted by
thor2j
Obviously you have not been reading the newspaper or watching tv for the last 9 years. Have you not seen the weekly reports that UAL has been a financial disaster for years??? Liquidity has been questioned monthly. Meanwhile, as others go, they always state that SWA and CAL are in the best financial shape for the long run.
Don't you think it is awfully coincidental that UAL made money for the first time in ages when a merger came up???
I have not had to read the newspaper for the last nine years, since I was in the middle of the battle here at UAL. I suppose everything in print or on the TV is true? If that is the case then I am looking forward to meeting Elvis on my HNL layover next week!
If you take the time to read some of those articles that called into question UAL financial health they often had the word "if" included. As in "if" oil goes to $300 a bbl there is a strong chance of liquidation of UAL. Really? You think that $300bbl oil might have an impact on the future of UAL? <tic> that is some grand investigative reporting.
Since you seem to like the papers, maybe you could stroll down memory lane and read up on the comments Bethune was making after 9/11 and the financial health of UAL. He was saying things along the lines of "like the Titanic, they will roll over pretty quickly". Sounds pretty doomsdayish if you ask me. Turns out Gordo, between fathering illegitimate children, was trying to get the sentiment toward UAL to be a failing enterprise because he wanted to buy the place!
In 2009 Bethune is quoted as saying UA and CO is a good merger.
The Interview: THE INTERVIEW: AIRLINE CEO GORDON BETHUNE (PART 2 OF 3)
Bethune:
"United and Continental makes a lot of sense!"
If you care to read the interview above you may like the first line from Bethune,
Continental wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Chapter 11. Its a second chance.
Or in CO case a THIRD chance!
Let's let the ALPA guys earn all that money they rake in and get us a contract and list that utilize the leverage we have.
L