If this did happen, which I don't think is in the realm of possibility, personally. I don't see how we could take on 60 more Airbii, and not take the pilots. I think we have 4 sims, there is nooooo way we could train enough guys to take that operation over without the pilots. Some of those aircraft would sit for years before we had the guys to operate them, thus negating any benefit of buying them in the first place.

I'm not advocating leaving their pilots twisting in the wind, just speaking from a practical, objective standpoint.

And you would gain a sim in Burlingame as well.

It would be quite a uniform change. :D

My thoughts? There's not a snowball's chance in hell the DOJ would allow any legacy carrier to acquire any other airline.* Consolidation in the LCC segment, however, is long overdue.

*Not to mention we're in the business of buying foreign airlines these days.

Never happen because VAs airplanes are too new. Now if they had some 30 year old DC-9s...

I disagree, with only 58 aircraft and 600 pilots it would have no real material affect on the marketplace. The DOJ would approve it.

Without a CBA There would be no language to force the employees at VA to be part of the transaction.
We as Delta pilots should however make every possible effort to force the management teams to bring the pilots over. I suspect the price of that support from Dalpa would be a prenuptial agreement on the SLI.
I think this is simply a wild rumor however I do find it interesting that Delta management has put out that they need 50 additional narrow body airframes for the domestic system in the next few years and they were looking at used options.

Had not thought of that!!! Brass buttons, extra tall hat, tie!!! Maybe we could add white gloves and gold shoulder braids so we could always tell who they are. Like the blue background on the North IDs!!!

Some would have you fenced for 20 years, be careful what you wish for.

JB or Spirit would be the most likely successful suitors. Same fleet types and VA's route structure is complementary with the routes of both JB and Spirit. I personally believe JB is the most likely given the similar model to VA (Spirit is ultra low cost).

No way will a legacy get the chance to swallow another small competitor... Never gonna happen given the potential for a consumer/regulator revolt.