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Defiant United CEO Assures Earnings Gains, Chides Delta - TheStreet

CHICAGO (TheStreet) -- United 's CEO sounded defiant Wednesday, saying the carrier intends to increase year-over-year earnings each quarter, chiding rival Delta as well as previous United management, and sharply criticizing U.S. government policies.

It was not so much that Jeff Smisek was saying anything radically different from past statements. But he seemed more forceful as he spoke at a Deutsche Bank investor conference, recalling his often outspoken statements on Continental earnings calls before the 2010 merger with United.

In recent months, Smisek has been sharply criticized by United pilots, who have challenged his leadership and developed a plan to improve airline strategies. But at the investor conference, with no pesky reporters asking questions, that topic didn't come up.

At the conference, Smisek said United intends to "increase quarterly earnings each quarter going forward (and) we are confident of our ability to do so." By 2017, United intends to increase earnings between two and four times, he said, noting, "We are very excited about our future at United. We think we have a lot of value to deliver."

Asked about Delta's move to build a hub for Asia in Seattle, Smisek responded: "Our friends in Atlanta lack a gateway to Asia.

"The best gateway is already taken -- that's San Francisco," he said. "Los Angeles is a highly fragmented market. Everyone calls it a hub, (but) it's not a hub for anyone. That's why Delta is ... trying to create a hub in Seattle."

Smisek said the best way for Delta to compete is "to have a good operation," and then added, "Our predecessor company in Chicago had done inadequate training (of) its employees and hadn't invested in its employees. We're continuing to do that and are making very significant progress."

Additionally, he said, previous United management had maintained its 747-400 fleet adequately in terms of safety "but not for reliability." As a result, he said, new United "had problems" with the aircraft and had to temporarily base them all in San Francisco, where they could undergo a preventive maintenance program.

Asked about United's decision to end Doha, Qatar service in August (United flies Dulles-Dubai-Qatar), Smisek responded with an emphatic restatement of the airline industry's position on Middle East airlines.

"The Middle East carriers are heavily subsidized by their governments," he said, while the U.S. government has "not put any limitations on those carriers" in terms of government subsidies, airport subsidies, fuel price subsidies or taxes. "Our government clearly is not here to serve or protect in relation to the Gulf carriers," Smisek said. "They don't have the teeth, nor do they have the desire."

Pilot criticism of Smisek has mounted since United posted a $489 million first-quarter loss while rivals American and Delta reported record results. Earnings declined for nine consecutive quarters starting in the second quarter of 2011.

United shares year to date have performed well, but not as well as rival's shares. United shares closed Tuesday at $46.87, up 24% in 2014. During the same period, Delta shares have gained 54% and American shares have gained 70%.

We are soo screwed

He would be good working behind the scenes say, as the company attorney. Hey wait...that's what he was hired to do originally!!
He is NOT a face man. He obviously doesn't have the "it" that a lot of successful CEO's have. Arrogance oozes from his pours.
Unfortunately, I believe he will be here for a long, long time. Better get used to him.

Yeah, no kidding.

You think Smisek can hear the drums? He's circling the wagons, jumping up and down while his face is turning purple. I saw it first hand at a SFO CEO exchange a few years ago...quite a site, and a bit embarrassing when he completely lost it. Boy does he have a temper. :eek:

A boss with a temper doesn't get told bad news and gets isolated from the workings of his company as a result.

The part they didn't publish.....

Smisek further went on to say "We calculated this with our top of the line IT system that we also use to build pilot schedules, track reserve usage, and accurately track pilot payroll. This system said we would increase profits fourfold."

That is pretty funny, but sad. Can anyone see the King's clothes? Be careful though. Looking into the mind of someone like that can blemish your psyche for years.

Sounds like Smisek has been taking advice from Baghdad Bob. Hmm, and as I think about it, it would be a perfect moniker for him.

Willis Walt?