John Heimlich
John Heimlich
bit broad choices last looks seats terms versus
In terms of the broad picture, it looks like there will be new choices and more seats going internationally versus last year. But things will be a little bit tighter domestically.
primarily problem rather traffic
We don't yet have traffic back where we need it, but yes, the problem (of losses) is primarily fares rather than traffic,
cash helpful matters payroll relates taxes
Everything that relates to cash matters now. It would have been helpful to have the payroll taxes deferred, but this will go part of the way.
enormous fuel jet paying
We're paying enormous amounts for jet fuel right now. It's insane.
absolute economy economy-and-economics factors
I still see the economy as absolute the No. 1 factor, (even with) as many other factors as there are nowadays,
surprised
I will be very surprised if there is not a proposal.
crappy difference fuel prices record year
Fuel prices are the difference between record profitability (for some airlines) and a year of crappy losses.
accept carriers domestic fuel high market painful passenger reality reflect unwilling
The painful reality for passenger carriers is that the domestic market has been unwilling to accept fares that reflect high fuel prices.
call cost count fourth grace quarter quite saving
When your second-highest cost plummets, that's huge. I call it the saving grace of the fourth quarter after the (federal assistance). But we're not quite as sanguine that we can count on that this year.
best case filled fuel higher money seats
We've got more seats that are filled and we're getting higher fares for them. That's your best case scenario. If (jet) fuel was at $40 a barrel, we could be minting money right now.
recent saying time trends word
We're not saying things are hunky-dory. All we're saying is that some of the indicators we look at and some of the recent trends are promising, and that's the first time I've used that word in a long time.
billion move quickly second
Will it be enough for everyone? It's not clear, but $2.5 billion is better than $1 billion, especially if they move quickly with the second half.
blow crushing fuel jet prices prove
Today's jet fuel prices are crushing and could prove to be a knockout blow for some.
crazier expecting last
We're not expecting it to be much crazier than last summer.