Jim Higgins
Jim Higgins
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.
couple delta hope punches takes willing
They may hope Delta takes a couple of punches and is more willing to negotiate,
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.
delta express hates issue needs pay proving
I think the Delta Express issue is proving to be intractable, ... ALPA hates the two-tier pay scale. Delta needs that, and needs more of it, if it's going to compete.
coming downside economic economy economy-and-economics fuel landing period prices profits relative risk soft squeezed
I think there's a risk we're going through a period that profits will get squeezed relative to expectations. If economy slows dramatically, there could be real downside risk to numbers. But having said that, if we have a soft landing (for economic growth) and fuel prices coming down just a bit, then things could actually improve.
loved talk
That was Harold. Even to the end, he loved to talk about fishing.
obvious saw
I saw him Sunday, and it was obvious that he didn't have long left,
airline mergers problems
I see it as a lose-lose situation. Integration problems with airline mergers are legendary.
act balancing northwest
It's going to come out to a balancing act between Northwest and Delta,
northwest tough walk
It's going to be tough to do, ... I just don't think Northwest is going to walk away from this easily.
cents equal gallon increase
It's probably equal to about 5 to 6 cents of the per- gallon increase in fuel.
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.