Just my opinion: Inclusion into the S&P is like virtually being removed from the "transportation index." Being in the transportation index, we are effectively treated no differently than any other airline, fuel goes up, stock price goes down, etc. Being in the S&P, moves the index to the most broadly invested in index. 50% of all trading is done via Exchange Traded Funds. These are index based.

This is a pretty big deal on many levels. Fundamentally, it is a game changer for DAL and defines the essence of breaking out of the pack. I believe SWA is the only other airline in the S&P. Now, we get "darling" status too.

There are several triggers to be met prior to being considered for S&P 500 listing. We exceeded the requirements. The final one to be met was paying a dividend. Check that block.

As an employee, I cannot see how this will not benefit us with fleet renewal/growth opportunities, behind the scenes (political and capital) favoritism, better access to everything that makes big business flourish.

This aspect of "constructive engagement" is something I am 100% behind.

Good points by all; I was unnecessarily combative about the whole matter.

I do agree that it provides us some tailwinds re: contract negotiations.

My concern is whether or not we as a group are willing and/or able to translate these positives into meaningful gains for ourselves.

[/IMG][QUOTE=Bucking Bar;1479541]How about a 737 Max Flight deck? Even more glass for our most fastidious to keep clean ....

http://www.airlinesanddestinations.c...ghtdeck-01.jpg

It isn't as nice as this!

http://cseries.com/wp-content/galler...s_original.jpg

Is the overhead panel still stuck in 1964?
Thanks, Herb.

[QUOTE=kiteflyer;1479673][/IMG]That ain't a Boeing... so outsource it.

Yup. So is the pedestal. All they change is the glass displays each time. Nicer nav and flight guidance, but still no update to EICAS... systems management is still in 1964 with the stupid recall lights.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8...6e319bcc_c.jpg

oui oui!

I'm all for standardization between Boeings. I wish they had put the 757/767 switches into the 'new' 737-800,700,900. Maybe our MX guys can strip them out of the 757's as they are parked, and put them into the 73's! :D Sort of like the panel 'Mod' for the MD88/717s.

Here's what I would REALLY like to see in -all- the new Boeings; the Electronic Checklist! The big TV screens in the 737 and 767-400 are nice, no doubt, but the best thing in the 777 is the ECL.

It KNOWS where the switches are, and turns those items green on the list, so you skip right over them. All you have to 'check' is the items it hasn't turned green, and as you do them, you click the mouse and move on.

And when it comes time for aby-normals, it KNOWS what you need to do, and will remind you if you skip a step. It won't let you move on until you've completed all items. And then when it's time to land, it will pull up the aby-normal page again, to remind you you are doing a Flaps 20, vs. 30 landing.

You cushy Boeing and Airbus guys kill me.
What's it smell like up those 777 cockpits. I always imagined the aroma was a cross between the kitchen of a Tuscan summer villa and the suit coat lining of one of Lee Moak's finer suits.

Coming from the Maddog, I'm just happy if at least half of our pixels aren't burnt out. The uniquely dim EHSI/EADI would bother me if I could actually see them behind the strategically placed, billboard-sized yoke. And don't even get me started with what kind of smells longer throughout your nasal cavity on any given flight. It's the only plane I've ever flown were farting in the cockpit actually makes it smell better.

It smells like...

Hennessy, and warm, freshly baked, breadsticks! :eek::D

You've got to pay your dues in the DDT (Douglass Death Tube) or you will never fully appreciate....

Every Other Airplane!