CAL Merger Press Release
 

Several weeks ago CAL announced that it was not interested in a merger. Fast forward to today, and it seems that it may not be such a bad idea in the face of industry consolidation.

Hang on ladies and gentlemen, it's going to be a wild ride.


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NEW YORK, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Continental Airlines Inc. <CAL.N>, concerned about being dwarfed by larger competitors, would consider a merger if necessary to maintain its competitiveness, its chief executive said.


"If the landscape of the U.S. airline industry does indeed change, we'll do what we need to do to act in the best interests of you (employees), our customers, our shareholders and the communities we serve," Chief Executive Larry Kellner said in a recorded message to employees on Friday.

Great....:mad:

:eek:
 

Look for a CAL/AS/AAI troika coming to an airport near you!

Who is AAI?

Airtran...

No drug testing at AS?

I think a CO/AS/AQ hook-up is more appropo.

Gordo's already in place in Honolulu anyway.

They've been saying the same thing for years with the merger rumors. Nothing new.

The industry should consolidate further, and it will. No offense to those of you who fly for a living, but while competition is good and quite necessary, we do not need as many airlines as we currently have in the USA.

Like it or not, that's the future.

Now, would I like to see CO merge?

Well, if it keeps them in business, and does not change the fine service I receive from them when I fly them (and I usually fly them) then, yes.

However, notice what Larry Kellner said:

"However, if the landscape of the U.S. airline industry does indeed change, we'll do what we need to do to act in the best interests of you, our customers, our shareholders and the communities we serve."

Notice the "if".

He also said that he wants the airline to "remain independent and continue to grow".

Yes, like it or not, the shareholders come first, then the customers. That's business, and that's not likely to change anytime soon.

I am commenting as a CO customer, businessman and a GA pilot (just a lowly 31-year GA pilot) perspective.

Yes, it's my first post here, so sorry if I offend anyone. Just expressing my opinion. ;)

Just yankin' everyone's chain! :D