Since we are having a great discussion about company policy I have a couple of questions for those in the know.

I'm an ATL based commuter who's CQ is now in ATL. They just moved the -9 sim there. Am I correct that a hotel is not provided yet (per the C2012 implementation schedule), but positive space travel is?

Also, I printed off the maps of the training facility from DeltaNet, but was a little confused on how to get over there using the shuttle from the airport. Where does it pick up and what is it labeled?

Thanks all.

here's another one:

Cheers
George

Yes, you get PS to/from CQ training, you can book it yourself on Travel Net under Company Business. When you arrive in ATL, there is no dedicated "Training Center Van" from the airport, you just jump on one of the Virginia Av. hotel vans, they say; Red Roof, Motel 6, Comfort Inn, Double Tree, etc. on the side, and ask him to please drop you at the Delta training center, at the corner, just flash him a $5, works every time.

Starting in Jan, even ATL based pilots will get a company provided hotel room for CQ (recurrent) training, in ATL, but you have to call them and tell them you want the room.

Go to the lower level of baggage claim. There is an employee bus labeled "G.O." that takes you over to headquarters. It runs every 20 minutes. On deltnet...under the company info tab...click on campus-Atlanta. It gives you all the info.

Oh yeah, thanks, I forgot all about that one! I've used it going to the airport from the sims, but forgot about using it the other direction.

Fortune magazine says that Delta shouldn't buy the 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic. They also said in the past that buying an oil refinery was a mistake...so...I'm more positive about the VA deal now.

A Virgin deal makes no sense for Delta - The Term Sheet: Fortune's deals blog Term Sheet

Delta's risky oil refinery bet - May. 2, 2012

George,

Do you anticipate a problem with compliance with the AF/KLM JV?

Do you expect the AF / KLM JV to be renegotiated prior to the remedial action?

The way I see this; it could begin as a codeshare, then become a JV. I do not think anti trust immunity would be a problem. The regulators would like to see an operator to counter BA's dominance.

Of course the cart is miles in front of the horse ... but I'd like to think through some ideas on how we would want to exert labor protection provisions.

The production balances our MEC has brought forward are a very good concept to deal with a highly complex labor situation. Nothing is jumping out to me as a way to improve substantially on what we have, other than to tighten the language, measurement periods, remedies and growth provisions. What do you think?

If this comes to pass, I will be interesting to hear Richard Anderson's thoughts on how we'd make money out of the deal.

Branson has said that Virgin would probably need to join one of the big airline alliances in the wake of BA's takeover of BMI, but that doesn't mean he is about to give up control of the airline – let alone just give away landing slots to some Americans from Atlanta. Given all this, it would be best if Delta just invites Virgin to join Skyteam and saves its money for other things, like maintaining its new refinery or for buying some badly needed new jets.

Ouch.

I've wondered why Branson hasn't allowed Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam in the past. Their passenger count has dropped each year for the past three years and they're losing money.

I think this Bloomberg article says it best. It's really a win-win for both companies and will increase Delta's access to the business travelers that it caters to.

Delta Covets London Growth With Stake in Virgin Atlantic - Bloomberg

I don't think we were ever required, but I do remember a memo suggesting it was a good idea.
Minimal participation at best.

Do any of you older NWA remember the details of the pilot that got punched out by a pax down in DTW C-world doing same.