Jeff Smisek hints at major changes for United
03-24-2011 | 06:43 AM
#1
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From: 737 CAPT
Jeff Smisek hints at major changes for United
Let the comments begin (bold statements emphasized by me):
Jeff Smisek Hints at Major Changes for United - First Class Airline and Hotel Tips
Jeff Smisek Hints at Major Changes for United - First Class Airline and Hotel Tips
- "Travel is an experience, not just a seat."
- "Differential offerings for each customer" through specially-tailored options for each users based on "advanced" software that tracks what customers need, leading to substantial revenue increases for United.
- Employee morale - not about classroom training, it's about trust of management
- Poked fun at Delta - says UA will have a lot more lie-flat seats than "that carrier from Atlanta"
- Economy Plus is a moneymaker--upselling is gaining traction
- Wouldn't share details about new mileage program, but promised customers and bean counters would love the new product.
- Again, emphasized specifically tailored travel options--specifically mentions holding fares.
- Airline clubs will be enhanced.
- Ability to toggle between United and Continental on Easy Check-In Machines at airports coming.
- Commitment to A350 and 787 program, though UA can "downsize" if necessary.
- "We'll have the 787 years before any of our competitors have it" (and the A350 as well).
- "Mixed fleet for a considerable period of time" - No final decision yet on whether United will keep the three-cabin model.
- Premium Service (p.s. - LAX/SFO-JFK) service interiors will be upgraded - lie-flat seats will be added (no confirmation that three-cabin service would be removed, but this was during the discussion of three vs. two cabin service)
- Repeatedly refers to front-line staff as his "co-workers" not his employees.
- Would like to simplify fleet over time, though that's a "decade long" project. Wants a fuel-efficient fleet.
- Must be disciplined in capacity - "We don't have anything to prove in terms of size--we're the world's largest airline now...but we're here to make money...We're very focused on making money."
03-24-2011 | 06:45 AM
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From: 737 CAPT
- Repeatedly refers to front-line staff as his "co-workers" not his employees.
03-24-2011 | 07:17 AM
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These are only considered "major" changes because our last CEO did NOTHING to take care of the product or employees. Kinda like if somebody handed you a house which you could sell and reap all of the rewards for yourself, regardless of who happened to still live there. Your going to do the minimal to put it in its best life (ie, park some airplanes, layoff some employees) and not actually take care of it (ie, new roof, fix the leaky plumbing, etc).
Okay, maybe a horrible analogy but I listened to the JPM piece and after 4 CEO's all saying "this will be different" and "we can't look in the past", I trust none until their actions match their words. He is saying NOTHING new here. Just kumbaya press drivel.
Mr. Smisek, if you truly want to make major changes, spend some of the 9 Billion in cash you sit on to bring back and protect the jobs which were sacrifice to enable this merger and SETTLE UP YOUR CONTRACTS! Anything less should be ignored.
KC
Okay, maybe a horrible analogy but I listened to the JPM piece and after 4 CEO's all saying "this will be different" and "we can't look in the past", I trust none until their actions match their words. He is saying NOTHING new here. Just kumbaya press drivel.
Mr. Smisek, if you truly want to make major changes, spend some of the 9 Billion in cash you sit on to bring back and protect the jobs which were sacrifice to enable this merger and SETTLE UP YOUR CONTRACTS! Anything less should be ignored.
KC
03-24-2011 | 08:07 AM
#6
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From: B777
On my 6th CEO (and 4th paint job) at this company and each CEO has done the quarterly circus side-show act for wall street analysts. In fact look for this song and dance four times per year - one strong forward looking Q1 forecast, and three followups as to why they couldn't "execute on their plan".
This is theater plan and simple. If it was reality, they'd be reporting on what they've actually accomplished, not what they intend to do.
I have my strike fund set aside, how about you?
This is theater plan and simple. If it was reality, they'd be reporting on what they've actually accomplished, not what they intend to do.
I have my strike fund set aside, how about you?
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