eaglefly

Yes, we all must fight subconcious rationalization. It's easy and insideous. I've not deluded myself that that any mergers would ride on labor as the controller. Some influence, yes and each situation would be dynamically different.

Agreed totally. This dysfunctional industry continously rewards poor performance. But a sick airline today, doesn't have the luxuries of the sick airlines of yesterday when carriers could go through several bankruptcies in short order or wallow within chapter 11 for years. Combined with new bankruptcy laws, a more competitve global market and a critical juncture in defining ones place in that market, this situation will be like no other. In addition, economics indicate a fundimental change in operating philosophy is necessary and AMR might just think they are in the perfect place and time to spearhead that.

Very possible. If it's not worth it, I can concentrate on other things. IF, however, I think there may be something to salvage and "compromise my dignity" like so many pilots in the past who've been through bankruptcy and remained at the carriers like the majority of those at DAL, according to gloopy, the industries problems will be my fault and if I don't commit seppuku, then it sounds as though he believes he has the right to plunge a stake through my heart for the good of the profession or at the very least make me the poster boy for faliure of this profession.


I wouldn't rule out a shot with others and it may indeed be the best for AA pilots, I just don't think we're there yet and it would truly have to BE the best option for AA pilots. The exclusicity period is normally 6 months, but that could be extended for the entire 18 month chapter 11 process upon request and approval. Horton has said he intends to exit BK faster then UAL did and that was 15 months I believe. Current management my be able to buy the time to fend off ALL the sharks provided they can convince critical creditors that overall, in the long-run and from a competitve standpoint with ability to fund expansion that an internal reorganization is the best plan. Of course, it would seem one component to convince THEM of THAT would be labor force that's on-board. An internal war only weakens the internal solutions and stregnthens the external options and possibilities.

I'd be surprised if we did better then others when the dust settles on this.

Again, I'm sorry if your reading anger and/or denial in my posts. I came to AA a year ago with my eyes wide open full well expecting a chapter 11 bankruptcy. I'll survive if I decide to leave AA and persue other things and am financially secure. Others with huge debt or other issues will be certainly worse off then me.

As for AMR.........well, when you hitch your horse to a corporation like AMR you get what you pay for. Anyone who does in the future should take that to heart. If they've been anything the last 10 years it's consistant. If they continue the same tack, it will matter little anyway as that will be ultimately what turns it into dust. I expect the executive team to parachute out nicely n that case, taking positions elsewhere (with warm aembrace by Wall Street) to restart and repeat the process again. Poor AA, they'll say..........it just coudn't be saved. Too much debt and those expensive employees........my, oh my. The leadership and organizational faliures won't make the back page.

Tommorrow should be an intersting day as it will be the first quick glimpse of the future of AA and the success of this management team. Honestly......I give it 50/50.

strfyr51

It wouldn't surprise me that DAL wanted American's crown Jewel in their South American routes and Miami Hub. I remember American getting in United's business in trying to get the Tokyo Narita Hub and Pacific Division. Though I feel for the American Employees, My last thought is?
What Goes Around? Comes Around!! And it would Serve American'e management Right if they had to Lop it off and sell it to keep the company alive. American and Continental were in it together when We at UAL hit the skids, now Continental is History and American is on the skids..
And 2 years from Now?? I'll bet their managment won't be a damn BIT smarter for having had to resort to bankruptcy. They;ll just blame it on the employees as always..

Sink r8

Eaglefly,

I wasn't reading anger in your posts. I think the bottom line is that if your management wants AMR to be a great airline, employees are viewed as valuable assets. Which requires full employee engagement, and a long-term outlook. If it just wants to do well enough to get by, and is as focused on short-term gains for creditors and executives (like most everyone else), then you'll be just a cost item, with the option of taking it where it hurts, or leaving.

As for the talk about committing sepukku, gloopy and I saw what people are willing to do to keep jobs, and we know very few are ever willing to leave.

Here's to hoping for something better.