You say that but don’t acknowledge that the VX purchase WAS part of the evolution. The Delta invasion put a fire under their a$$ and they realized they had to do something ASAP. AS bought VX for a number of reason that have been stated more than once but the highlights are 1.) AS had to keep further competition from gaining market access. 2.) Eliminate direct competition. 3.) Grow to a size that would prevent themselves from being consumed by another company in order to protect the shareholders, as AS has been a cash cow for a decade. This rapid growth could not happen organically so the only option was an acquisition. When you say AS only bought 5-10 more years, being that VX was the item purchased, you’re acknowledging that VX had no future on it’s own and will only cause the eventual downfall of AS. I don’t think so. A whole lotta change can happen in 5-10 years. Remember the lost decade, 2001-2011? You gotta step back from the “US vs. YOU” and ride the ride. In the end, we’re going to be just fine.

VX had its own thriving niche market, which AS management promptly abandoned. You don't get to lay this at the feet of Virgin. I'm with OCCP on this one: on its current trajectory, Alaska Airlines has less than 5 years before a major shift/failure happens.

This doesn’t mean anything. That’s like saying the stock market, on it’s current trajectory will forever rise. The next hour, you’ll have to say, on it’s current trajectory it will forever fall. Do you buy and sell at every shift in the market? AS has adjusted it trajectory many times and will adjust it again and again as needed in order to keep a seat at the table. So you can say that on it’s current trajectory, AS is headed for a major failure but todays path is just that, today. They will adjust it again to avoid a major failure. Most successful airlines have to do exactly that to stay in business. After 2001 when most airlines were pulling back, AS changed course and added many East Coast destination. Then they changed course again and added all the HI flying. Most recently, they changed course again and bought VX. Nobody at the company saw those things coming but, boom, there they were. My point in relax. Let the process unfold. Let the dust settle. Most of your “sky is falling” attitude is based on resentment towards AS because they dismantled your old company. Just like when you’re on takeoff roll, look further down the runway or you’re gonna be all over the place.

I didn’t realize we had so many airline pilots who are CEOs, CFOs, COOs and other upper management bubbas. Had I known a college degree wasn’t a requirement for these positions, heck I wouldn’t have wasted four years of my life or maybe should have gotten an “online-pay-4-diploma” BA in Under Water Fire Prevention (UWFP) like some of y’all.

Don't be naive. There are plenty of pilots with MBAs or related management/finance degrees. And, guess what, they all have real world experience in the aviation industry.

Yup, they get involved with the union and slide right into a management slot..........at this company anyway.

I’m not here for a dick measuring contest and to compare pedigree but I do know a thing or two about advanced degrees. I’m not aware of any professional cockpit monkeys running a successful airline at the moment, capisce? Some of you give yourselves way too much credit considering that y’all fly an airplane tailored to a skill level of an average 12 year old.

In reply to your point, William Walsh runs AIG (parent company of BA, Iberia, among others), one of the biggest airline holding companies in the world. Mr. Walsh is a former airline pilot, having started his flying career with Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus, subsequently running the company, and then moving on to run BA, followed by AIG.

And don't forget...Donald Trump's personal pilot will be the FAA Administrator.

Just because they choose to fly rather than manage doesn’t mean they’re not capable. It’s a matter keeping ones soul.