BA has been flying under open skies but they utilize BA assets (aircraft and crews) under the existing bilateral agreement. This new proposal, does not use United or Air Lingus employees and operates under a different operating certificate. A whole different ballgame Sir. This smacks of a scab operation using low cost labor and undermining existing routes and carriers.

Maybe I'm wrong but this smells of bad fish from the getgo.

Just my 2 cents devalued to $ .000010023934 on Friday's market close.

Y'All be careful out there.

G'Luck Mates

Won't happen. Major airline pilots have had decades to fight deregulation and the erosion of the profession. They always put self-interest first. Every major airline pilot contract between 1978 and 2001 included two things: more pay and less scope. Why should they change now?

Most major airlines had no scope protection at all in 1978. Delta for instance had no scope protection at all until the 86 contract and that was token only. It was not until ASA began operating BAE 146 that Delta started pushing in 89. Scope at Delta improved in the next two contracts in the 90's. Then started the other way in the 96 contract. Big changes came 8 years later under the threat of a judge. Scope for most majors came about in the eighties and improved into the early 90's. The erosion in scope started with the big pullback in 91 during the first gulf war.

That would be the 1990's, skipper !

The only thing that ALPA is going to do is try and get this shell of an airline (how about we call this joint venture "Uni-Lingus") to vote in ALPA.

ALPA's problem is that they represent competing interests. Every month, they pat themselves on the back for representing yet another regional, and ever month more and more flying shifts from the majors to regionals and now open skies "partners."

Very dissapointing to see what continues to happen at UAL. No positive news there for years. UAL pilot on mil leave hoping to return someday, but that continues to look like a bad plan! How Tilton is still the CEO is beyond belief.

He's just doing his job and this latest "project" with Aer Lingus is brilliant ! He will cut labor costs over the Atlantic, get reduced operating & maintenance costs and reap the profits from the joint sale of tickets with Aer Lingus.

I predict it will be a huge success because there will be two air carriers selling tickets on both side of the pond and then lining their pockets with the proceeds. Who is going to stop this "alliance ?" No one has the balls or the legal authority to do so.

Yes, it burns my ass to see such a low life destroy a once proud airline and watch other CEO's follow suit. I think you could build a case that a large part of trans-Atlantic flying will be done in this manner in the future. Let's face reality. Domestic flying has been gouged and the only real profit center is in the international market. If Tilton et al can cut their labor costs, operating expenses, etc. there is more gold for the Execs. Who ultimately gets the royal screwing ? You and I.

Sorry....I've got to go to the head. I'm sick to my stomach

G'Luck Mates

Does anyone remember Ryan air starting some routes for AirTran?...and then AirTran eventually put their equipment on those routes.....this may be similar. Your thoughts? No flamers please.

I believe those were wet-leased aircraft from Ryan International (different company) and it was because there was a delay in aircraft delivery.