WatchThis!

I threw up in my mouth a little when I read this article about US airlines benefiting from European airline strikes. It doesn't take much of a stretch to guess what kind of airline analyst would jump to such a conclusion.
Hint: Vaughn Cordle crossed the picket line during the UAL/ALPA strike in 1985. Funny how he doesn't mention that in his resume.

The pilots of Lufthansa are striking over job security, otherwise known as scope. I know United Pilots are not required to perform struck work, how does your union address flying extra sections (or more important, NOT flying extra sections) that are a result of a strike?

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Lufthansa strike disrupts traffic, sends customers elsewhere
Some U.S. airlines could benefit from a long strike; British Airways may be next

By Christopher Hinton, MarketWatch

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- With Lufthansa jets grounded by a pilots strike and cabin crew workers threatening to do the same to British Airways, U.S. carriers may cash in on disruptions to transatlantic traffic.

But an intricate web of international alliances and partnerships largely decide which airlines could benefit from European labor strife and which might be hurt by it. Combined, Lufthansa and British Airways fly more international passenger miles than any other airline.

A four-day strike at Lufthansa is too short to have much of a material affect, but if pilots push the strike further, Lufthansa and passengers will be scrambling for seats on the jets of partner airlines.
But is it good for customers?

Virgin boss, Sir Richard Branson, is warning that support for a deal between British Airways and American Airlines is "a kick in the teeth" for passengers. Video courtesy of Sky News,

Lufthansa is a member of the Star Alliance, which includes Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) , UAL Corp.'s (NASDAQ:UAUA) United, US Airways (NYSE:LCC) , Air Canada, All Nippon Airways and Singapore Airlines. It's been reported these airlines are trying to accommodate customers flying on connecting flights with Lufthansa.

But partner airlines with direct flights to Frankfurt are also likely to benefit from the disruption, according to Vaughn Cordle, an analyst with AirlinesForecasts LLC. Lufthansa and its partners account for about 70% of the traffic between Germany's largest city and the U.S.

Continental and United each have direct flights to Frankfurt, and so does rival Delta Air Lines (NYSEAL) .

A strike at British Airways (LSE:UK:BAY) would mostly benefit AMR Corp.'s (NYSE:AMR) American Airlines, Cordle said. American is a oneworld alliance member along with the London-based carrier and has landing slots at Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest travel hubs.

Cabin crews from British Airways voted overwhelming to strike over imposed changes to crew numbers and working practices. The airline is seeking a pay freeze and to switch 3,000 employees to part-time status. It hopes to reduce costs by 140 million pounds in 2010.

Heathrow is also a major hub for BMI and Virgin Atlantic Airways

chuckyt1

This from the UAL MEC...

Vereinigung Cockpit has asked for mutual assistance calling for a ban on extra flights and capacity, wet leasing, and assistance provided to stranded pilots. I have advised Vereinigung Cockpit President Captain Steicher that on behalf of the United MEC and all United pilots that we are pleased to assist our fellow Vereinigung Cockpit pilots with their request. I have advised United that our Collective Bargaining Agreement precludes the Company from entering into agreements with Lufthansa to assist it during a strike and that United pilots are not required to fly on wet leases with Lufthansa or to fly extra sections added in response to a labor dispute, or to fly up gauged aircraft designed to benefit from the dispute. We have also asked United to assist Lufthansa crew members stranded in the United States with transportation as result of the labor dispute, and we intend to directly assist Lufthansa crewmembers as well.

Riddler

Nice to see UAL making an honest effort to support Lufthansa pilots.

Blockoutblockin

Careful, you may offend a lot of CAL pilots

jdt30

Scabs are impossible to offend.

Thankfully, the scabs are slowly being picked off at CAL.

jsled

Here at UAL as well. 135 were left when the age 60 rule changed in 2007. Not sure how many are left now. With about 2500 captains, and 135 scabs, you have about a 5% chance of flying with one overall, slightly better odds if you're on the WBs. So how in in he11 did I draw one for my 3 day trip!!! Here is how it will go ....."gear up"...........(crickets)..............."gear down".........."shutdown checklist".........."see you in the morning"..... slam/click.........repeat. fun stuff.

syd111

Nice to see that jsled as I don't see many at ual act that way towards them anymore.

captjns

Call in sick.

NERD

Screw that. Make that lousy SOBs life so miserable he calls in sick.

syd111

Now your talking, agree 100%!