Jeb!! Bush is still running? That's what he's doing? :p


Now speaking of politics, see if this sounds like what is going on with DALPA right now:

Now change the names.

The complaint is that the antiestablishmentarians do nof respect the MEC Craftsman.

So the parallels are there, but who is The Trump? :D

*irony not withstanding
**read Tim Parkers C44 email yesterday

The ones who have been Antidisestablishmentarianistically named, dumbass rocket surgeon; So Carl.

Longest word in English ftw.

Fitch upgraded Delta credit. All the major ratings agencies now have DAL just one level below investment grade. Investment grade is achievable and probable by at least one agency in 2016. In their report they already account for moderate pilot cost increases in 2016 - 2017.

The three major credit rating agencies for commercial paper are S&P, Moody's, and Fitch similar to the consumer credit ratings of TU, Experian and Equifax. Now that all three are in agreement and have positive outlooks, the stage is set for one of them (probably Moody's) to upgrade Delta to investment grade. This is a substantial achievement 7 years out of bankruptcy. This also shows sustainability. Unlike stock ratings, debt ratings are a more conservative and business focused evaluation. Stock recommendations can be based on fundamentals of the company but also industry trends, momentum, cyclicality, and the opinion of the analyst.

Delta is very well positioned financially and improving. Affordability of pay restoration is well within their ability while keeping the pilots PS. (pension substitute) Profit sharing reductions will only offset our ability to benefit from ancillary revenue generated by outside investments and outscoring. The next step in building a global industrial transportation company is to take significant positions in markets outside the U.S. This is most likely done through JV and equity stakes in airlines around the world which is already happening. The investment grade rating gives Delta the access to capital it needs to continue the expansion.
https://www.fitchratings.com/site/fi...ease?id=990795

Delta just completed their purchase of Gol and China Eastern shares.

The 3.55% of China eastern is actually 10% of the H shares. H shares are the shares traded on the Hong Kong exchange, only H shares can be purchased by non Chinese entities. This means if Delta bought all the H shares they would own 35.5% of China Eastern. This is unlikely but other U.S. carriers will follow suit to lock up a Chinese partner. Quantas is already trying to buy shares of China Eastern.

Delta now owns 16.2% of Gol preferred stock. JV partner Air France-KLM has made a similar investment in Gold. Current stock price is $1.13 and could be an opportunity to buy more.

Aeromexico ownership is rumored to be about 20% through derivatives.

You are witnessing the beginnings of Skyteam airlines

I think that began with the AF/KLM JV. Now we are being introduced to our future "co-workers."


Of course DALPA/ALPA thinks this is good for you and me...so long as they aren't based in a predominantly Muslim country.

#Whatareyouwillingtogiveupforthat

Why do you think they wanted permission to paint the Delta livery on foreign planes?

Yep. And they only would have a had to bribe one guy of questionable judgment to get it.

That fact didn't make it into the roadshows or lounge visits.

Right now, they don't need permission.

They don't need it now. They can paint away. We wanted to write approval into the contract. Compromise was MEC chairman approval.