Ugh, another SLI!:( I know the only have 1500ish pilots and 737s, but that's still more guys in front of me. I need them BELOW ME!!!:(

Well it will be good for the gander. I would not be surprised in the least if there was a moat dug around the wide body flying.

I would be surprised if RA agreed to any long fence, he doesn't like them after seeing the aftermath of a 20 year fence at NW/REP.

I find it incredible that we're hearing yet another DAL merger rumor not even a year after the worlds largest airline merger was announced. Then again, the path this airline is taking seems to be along the lines of agressive growth, not buy and sell the assets off. That being said, im a concerned hard working NW ramp rat who fears his job may be outsourced to RHS before I can get my hands on a right-seat job in a few years. Ive counted on being able to say "ive been with this company on the ramp for X years, and I would love to continue my career as a pilot here" in an interview.

back on topic.. I believe this will happen. Personally, by the time we see 2020 im think the only airlines around in America will be Delta, American, Southwest, United, and MAYBE Continental. Of course they'll have their regional feeders and a few start-up LCCs may exist, but I think theres gonna be a few big airlines. Thats how it has to be, i think. After the SOC DL will buy Alaska, move on to a price war with AirTran who, weakened by the price war, will get eaten alive by Southwest. Perhaps DL will make a move for JetBlue, but i doubt the government will allow that one.

The combined DAL and NWA does not dominate the domestic market. That title goes to Southwest. SWA is still bigger (domestically) than the new DAL. Alaska doesn't even rank in the top ten carriers. So, if DAL were to buy Alaska, it doesn't mean that DAL would be overwhelmingly big in the domestic market.

Source: BTS | November 2008 Airline Traffic Data: System Traffic Down 12.8 Percent in November from 2007 and Down 3.5 Percent for January-to-November

I just wonder how long its going to be before DAL merges with the combined Air France and KLM?

Things that make you go hmmmmm...

-Fatty

That won't happen until UAL announces to the government that it will file and be tango uniform. As long as the capital markets remain tight there is no way to find the financing to restructure in bankruptcy. We had the financing in part because it was the easiest credit market in history. Anyone who goes now will most likely be forced into liquidation. Frontier has not come out and they most likely won't if credit remains tight.

Faced with a UAL becoming liquidated, Obama's administration will most likely not allow his hometown airline to dissolve and thousands of additional employees hit the street. Certainly not when we are bailing out the auto makers. Lufthansa will make a pitch that if cabotage is relaxed they will buy up "the toxic assets" and protect hubs and jobs. And that is how in my opinion cabotage will be relaxed and foreign ownership will occur. Then the gates will be open. I hope this does not come to pass however.

Alaska has always maintained they have zero interest in a merger and would fight any takeover attempt. Until last week! Now they say a merger might make sense. I would expect Delta to complete the current merger before taking on another one. Look for a official annoucement of a buyout of Alaska in the summer of 10.

Timing sounds about perfect.

So, do chicks really dig the double-breasted suits?

My wife does. She looks great in the hat as well!