Originally Posted by Sink r8

On the subject of Q1 results. I'm sure Alfa or Slowplay might cast this in its' proper light, with the right names for the right metrics...

I tried to evaluate the size of the losses at DAL vs. those at CAL and AMR, in relation to their size. I used revenue as a measure of size. The terms used to describe the revenue was slightly different in each case, but I think I got total operating revenue for each, and losses excluding special items for each.

AMR: 505 million loss on 5,100 million in revenue = .099
CAL: 146 million loss on 3,200 million in revenue = .046
DAL: 256 million loss on 6,850 million in revenue = .037

The trend for DAL was for a narrower loss vs. the year prior, and wider for the other two.

It seems to me we're starting to get traction. I would not be surprised if CAL/UAL will want to "go there" as well. I think their combination would potentially lead the industry, along with STAR, and would potentially command a revenue premium vs. DAL, based on what I perceive as a better network. OTOH, I think DAL potentially will retain an operating cost advantage, and so margins could be good for both. I think we got a good running start, and I think the obsession with balance sheet repair is the key to staying ahead of CAL/UAL. I think this is a race to better debt service payments, which will in turn allow for further investment in the product. It'll be interesting (along the lines of the Chinese curse) to watch.

So I'm not fearful of further consolidation.

Originally Posted by acl65pilot

Here is another thought that I have been pondering and I am curious to see what the group thinks: (That is a warning)

I have been thinking about a few things in regard to our DCI flying. These FFD or Cost Plus contracts are a big money loser for DAL. We have a limit of 255 on 70/76 seat jets. DAL wants to modify these contracts.

So;
Lets say DAL management came to D-ALPA with a proposal to allow a certain number of 76 seat jets. That number could be anything up to the 255 allowable number now. I will not pick a specific number, just up to that number. In return they will cap DCI at 300-400 total aircraft. It is a hard number and cuts DCI in half for allowing at a max 102 more 76 seat jets.

What are your thoughts on this. It is a victory to control scope as well as a concession to allow more 76 seat jets. What do you think of it? My gut is telling me that something like this may be the next paper across the table.

Originally Posted by TenYearsGone

Ten Years Gone---> One of my favorite Led Zepp. songs.

I havent been out quite as long as ten years but I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home Daddy.

Hopefully, I will get this "call" soon before I really have to be called TEN or ELEVEN Years Gone.

TYG

Originally Posted by capncrunch

Side Question:

Does anyone know when the Northwest Airlines Retirement Savings Plan at ING will transfer into our Delta Fidelity accounts?

I was under the impression that those were supposed to transfer automatically last fall.

Originally Posted by johnso29

I'd take BBC over any piece of crap news network we have here in the USA. Fox news is one of the biggest wastes of time I've ever seen. I could learn more by counting the dust bunnies on my ceiling fan.

Originally Posted by scambo1

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I can't listen to Zep anymore after doing shots in HS and barfing to Black Dog.

Originally Posted by forgot to bid

Do people leave the airplane with the APU running?

No offense to DTW, but man if I left that airplane with the APU running and it caught fire there wasn't anyone to be seen on that ramp anywhere to go pull the fire handle in the tail.

Originally Posted by johnso29

IDK, but it burns my britches when I walk on a 319/320 that has good external power hooked up, and the APU is still running.

Shut down the freaking APU!! Quit burning fuel!!!! ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!

Originally Posted by tsquare

I'm not a big fan of any news service.. but by your statement you must think CNN or CBS or ABC...... have more validity than FOX... I think the truth/reality lies somewhere between the propaganda any of these so-called "news" services spew... and that is truly sad. Edward Murrow must be rolling in his grave.

Originally Posted by tsquare

How about SE taxi? Are the baby busses doing that? I have ridden in the back several times, and although I cannot swear to it, I do not THINK I ever saw a SE taxi, either in or out.. Any of you bus guys care to comment?