Speedturd,
Hey, I thought that was funny, since you resorted to calling me names--and demotions at that! Guess what buddy, anyone can comment on anything---this is a public forum. (Speedbird might be a Nazi--watch out--he will report you...) This is what I was responding to from JetblueA320:
"I know this wasn't directed at me General, but I'll reply anyway. You can research this if you want (it's public info) but we didn't change the ATL-LGB routes to once a day because they were losing money, it was so we can make MORE money on other routes."
That is such B.S. You guys really believe everything your management says, don't you? Oh, that's right, you're all in love and are constantly kissing each other, until you eventually want pay raises---oh, that's right, you are already paid very very well--even though you can't afford a 1 bedroom crack house in Yonkers. Why would you almost exit a market (drop 66% of flights) with an 83% load factor? Well, I am waiting? I guess your CEO must be nuts. Oh, that's right, he was just firing over our bow---showing us what the mighty Jetblue can do.......Whatever. Thanks for spurring us into action--without you guys giving us a little competition, we might not have added more flights. Are they money losers? Probably not because you guys seem to forget that we have been getting leaner over the past year or so, and we are adjusting ourselves to your game plan. Yes, we have a debt problem, and so will you when you get all of your $6 billion worth of airplanes eventually---unless you pay for all of them with cash from Soros and his buddies. (Or did he cash out already?)
Debt is ok as long as you can service it. Say it out loud again----"DEBT IS OK AS LONG AS YOU CAN SERVICE IT." One more out loud."CASH FLOW IS KEY." Try it again. CASH FLOW IS KEY. AOL has $24 billion in debt, and guess what? They are still around and kicking. We will service it and eventually in many years pay it off. You don't think 10-15% a year from all employees would help service it?? Sure it would, and when things get better it will be easier to service it.
I am glad you think Delta thinks that the public owes them something. Wow, that is powerful. Ok, what? Since who, what? What are you talking about? We instituted the same game plan with pricing fares as you did for Song, and mainline fares have been lowered and simplified too. We made it easier for passnegers to get through the airport faster--many many Kiosks, and we gave them a better frequent flyer program that you guys can only dream about---oh yeah--your passengers don't want to see the world---only Long Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. We have tried to make it easier for passengers because we know that we could lose them if we don't. Now, at cities that don't have LCC's--the fares are higher--but that is just plain business--and I hope you guys go to Peoria or Sun Valley someday---in your EMB190's no doubt!!!
As far as our shareholders, we have been giving them regular dividends far longer than the other majors, and just recently stopped the practice until we get our balance sheet fixed. Our stock did fall after 9-11 like most, but has doubled in the last month to $12.00---and with eventual pay cuts should increase again. You obviously don't think times will get better, do you? Will gas prices ever come down? You bet. The Iraq infrastructure will become complete and prices will tumble, and we buy so much more gas than you do---so our bottom line will increase a lot faster than you will. Will business passengers ever return to higher fares? Probably. Yes, the internet has changed a lot of things, but the economy drives travel, and when it comes back (as it is doing right now)---fares will increase. We will benefit from that much more than you because we fly ten times the number of passengers. Not all of our fares are low---try Europe for example. We are jammed full, and we have no competition from you or any other LCC. None.
As far as Song goes, you don't think we will ever get above 70% load factor? Ever? What are you smokin? Let me guess, you were at 100% the minute you started, right? You were, right? Wrong. It probably took awhile, right? We have like 12 757's on Song right now, and we will have 36 by December--flying to sunny warm places from the NE and FLA (LAS and SJU etc too). The summer time probably wasn't the best time to start, but the winter time will yeild results. Why do I know that? I flew Delta Express 737's and we were always full. Now we will have the correct plane (757) flying 199 people to warm destinations--with a better frequent flyer program and a better selection of airports to depart from. You never respond to those---those are your weaknesses.
So, private Speedturd---enjoy being cocky---I am just telling you why I believe Song and mainline Delta will live on and do well. Where is your next hub going to be again? Your airline is running out of options---and living in Yonkers is starting to suck.
Bye Bye--General Lee
