Jim Higgins
Jim Higgins
agree approved asset clear easier effect fact fix justice mean needs united
It's clear that DOJ doesn't like the deal, or it would have been approved by now. But the fact that it's up to Justice and only Justice does mean its easier for United to effect a fix here, to agree to the asset disposition it needs to get approval.
agreement delta express gap greatest management pilots reach saying single surprised understanding
My understanding is that the single greatest gap is on the Delta Express issue. Management is saying we need to enlarge it, and pilots saying we don't want it at all. That's a pretty big gap, so I'd be surprised if they reach an agreement today.
airplane entire
It's not as if the entire airplane is for sale.
airlines economic everybody finally indicator taking
Everybody is going to be weak, ... Revenues look like their taking a nosedive, and that's because of the economy. Airlines are a lagging economic indicator and they're finally being hit.
huge jump percentage relative trip
They won't do $10 (per trip leg), ... That's a huge percentage jump relative to other airlines.
detriment feeling operation personally
I'm feeling personally that 24-hour operation is going to be a detriment to the neighborhood.
business laid people
It's different from other cities. You go to D.C., and there's just something about it. People are not as laid back. It's all business there.
actively along guide heard high months numbers saw saying says six talked today
They didn't actively guide things down, but they talked about things getting better six months out. We've been saying all along that second-quarter numbers are too high and there's nothing I heard or saw today that says otherwise.
advantage among apart delta difficult far issues reach rule rules versus vocal work
They are very far apart on difficult issues like work rules. Delta has a work rule advantage versus other competitors that it doesn't want to give up. And among the pilots, there is a very vocal dissident group, and it makes it more difficult to reach a settlement,
anyone delta happen needs
What really needs to happen is for Northwest, Delta and Continental to become two airlines. But I don't know how you get there. I don't think anyone does anything fast.
avoiding contract good help industry terms
Especially if you're in contract negotiations, you help yourself a lot in terms of good will by avoiding layoffs, ... I think the industry has been pretty rational.
airline issue level notion pay relatively retro seen
I've never seen that level of retro pay. The whole notion of retro pay is a relatively new issue for the airline industry.
carriers change contracts help leadership negative union
This is not a negative for the industry, ... The union leadership at other carriers are going to be hard-pressed to give up anything. What this does do is help to change contracts that are pending.
date fact goes highlight pilots
This is part the jousting that goes on with these things. The pilots will use every significant date to try to highlight the fact they're in disagreement with management.