jetflier
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Not trying to be flame bait here but this article caught my eye.
Has there been any other analyst reporting about this?
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-delta1506apr15,0,259805.story
Strike threat over for Delta
The airline reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union.
Beth Kassab
Sentinel Staff Writer
April 15, 2006
Delta Air Lines and its pilots union reached a tentative agreement early Friday morning, effectively ending the looming threat of a strike that could have shut the bankrupt carrier down for good.
Neither the airline nor the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents nearly 6,000 Delta pilots, released details of the agreement.
The last-minute deal did not surprise many industry observers who predicted an agreement would come in the final hours. Until Friday's announcement, an arbitration panel would have decided today if the pilots' contract could have been thrown out.
Pilots had vowed to strike as early as next week if that happened, a move that would have devastated Delta's operations and likely put it out of business after just 24 hours. Pilots had already filed a permit to picket, if necessary, at Orlando International Airport, where Delta is the second-leading carrier.
"There are a few hurdles left, but the major hurdle, without a doubt, has been handled," said Terry Trippler, an aviation analyst with CheapSeats.com. "This is what we've been waiting for. A Delta shutdown would have been a disaster."
Delta tried to calm any concerns potential customers may have about booking a ticket on the airline, emphasizing that there's no longer a need to be wary of a strike.
"Delta passengers can continue to book on Delta with confidence," said Edward H. Bastian, Delta's executive vice president and head of the company's in-court restructuring efforts, in a news release. "There has been no disruption to our service. Our pilots are performing professionally, flying as scheduled, and together with all Delta employees, are taking good care of our customers."
Delta carried about 4 million passengers through Orlando International last year when it lost its title as the largest holder of local market share to Southwest Airlines.
Stuart Klaskin, an aviation expert with KKC Aviation Consultants in Miami, said he's planning to fly Delta in the next few weeks and isn't worried about changing those plans.
"I think the traveling public is spooked," Klaskin said. "They probably should have an understanding of what their alternatives may be . . . but I don't think there's any point in booking away" on another airline.
The tentative agreement must still be ratified and voted on by the union as well as approved by bankruptcy court.
Capt. Lee Moak, chairman of the pilot's negotiating committee, sent out a phone message to pilots Friday morning, explaining that a union executive committee would thoroughly debate the agreement next week before sending it to the full union for a vote.
"We will not hurry," he said in the message. "During the MEC [Master Executive Council] meeting next week, and during any subsequent membership ratification process, we will proceed in an unrushed, methodical manner."
Trippler said Delta's future as a stand-alone airline remains uncertain even if it is able meet its goal of emerging from bankruptcy next year.
"It will be called Delta, but it will be run by Northwest," Trippler said, predicting a merger between the two carriers that are struggling now to get out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Beth Kassab can be reached at [email protected] or 407-420-5448.
Copyright © 2006, Orlando Sentinel | Get home delivery - up to 50% off
Has there been any other analyst reporting about this?
ADVERTISEMENTS
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-delta1506apr15,0,259805.story
Strike threat over for Delta
The airline reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union.
Beth Kassab
Sentinel Staff Writer
April 15, 2006
Delta Air Lines and its pilots union reached a tentative agreement early Friday morning, effectively ending the looming threat of a strike that could have shut the bankrupt carrier down for good.
Neither the airline nor the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents nearly 6,000 Delta pilots, released details of the agreement.
The last-minute deal did not surprise many industry observers who predicted an agreement would come in the final hours. Until Friday's announcement, an arbitration panel would have decided today if the pilots' contract could have been thrown out.
Pilots had vowed to strike as early as next week if that happened, a move that would have devastated Delta's operations and likely put it out of business after just 24 hours. Pilots had already filed a permit to picket, if necessary, at Orlando International Airport, where Delta is the second-leading carrier.
"There are a few hurdles left, but the major hurdle, without a doubt, has been handled," said Terry Trippler, an aviation analyst with CheapSeats.com. "This is what we've been waiting for. A Delta shutdown would have been a disaster."
Delta tried to calm any concerns potential customers may have about booking a ticket on the airline, emphasizing that there's no longer a need to be wary of a strike.
"Delta passengers can continue to book on Delta with confidence," said Edward H. Bastian, Delta's executive vice president and head of the company's in-court restructuring efforts, in a news release. "There has been no disruption to our service. Our pilots are performing professionally, flying as scheduled, and together with all Delta employees, are taking good care of our customers."
Delta carried about 4 million passengers through Orlando International last year when it lost its title as the largest holder of local market share to Southwest Airlines.
Stuart Klaskin, an aviation expert with KKC Aviation Consultants in Miami, said he's planning to fly Delta in the next few weeks and isn't worried about changing those plans.
"I think the traveling public is spooked," Klaskin said. "They probably should have an understanding of what their alternatives may be . . . but I don't think there's any point in booking away" on another airline.
The tentative agreement must still be ratified and voted on by the union as well as approved by bankruptcy court.
Capt. Lee Moak, chairman of the pilot's negotiating committee, sent out a phone message to pilots Friday morning, explaining that a union executive committee would thoroughly debate the agreement next week before sending it to the full union for a vote.
"We will not hurry," he said in the message. "During the MEC [Master Executive Council] meeting next week, and during any subsequent membership ratification process, we will proceed in an unrushed, methodical manner."
Trippler said Delta's future as a stand-alone airline remains uncertain even if it is able meet its goal of emerging from bankruptcy next year.
"It will be called Delta, but it will be run by Northwest," Trippler said, predicting a merger between the two carriers that are struggling now to get out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Beth Kassab can be reached at [email protected] or 407-420-5448.
Copyright © 2006, Orlando Sentinel | Get home delivery - up to 50% off
