More Delta comments....

[XRMEFLYER]

Lets say for the sake of the argument that we did just what you propose. Then I put it to you, would that not make us a more desirable alternative for "your" flying? And would that not put continued downward pressure on you for further cost reductions down the line? And so on and so on....

This is what you wanted isn't it private, a "substantive" issue from me? Well there you have it. What say you?

 

[Delta Po Boy]

Whether you intend it or not General your rallying for Delta is influencing your fellow Delta pilots. You are making everyone think things are better than they are. People hear what you say and think, "Oh things aren't that bad, why should we give up 25-40% of our pay?? We should give up no less than the 10-15%!! Screww Delta!!" You are very charasmatic and a lot of people listen to you on here, which is dangerous.

JetFlyer,

Although I enjoy reading General Lee's posts and the constant WWF style cage match between him and XRMEFLYER, I think for myself. Most of the mainline pilots agree with General's thinking that Management needs to show a plan before Delta pilots open their wallets. Do I agree with everything General Lee posts? Of course not. I do, however, agree with him in principle on most of the issues.

Most people who read/post on FlightInfo.com have already formed their ideals, viewpoints, and stances. This forum allows people to access various information sources via one site, participate in debates on numerous issues, and become educated on the other folks' perspectives.

I agree that the General is very charismatic and a lot of people listen to him. FWIW, I found out General Lee's real name is Jim Jones. He sent me a private message asking me, and all the other members of the Delta family that frequent this website, if I wanted to join his "church" and head to Africa with him. I told him no problem - I'm sure we have a codeshare with someone who flies there...

 

[9rj9]

who needs a pay cut, things are improvin

Prudential Equity Group analyst Daniel Hemme cut the rating on Delta stock to "underweight" from "neutral weight" and slashed his price target to $7, down from $11.

"We believe the airline faces significant challenges with the uncertainty of market pricing, a noncompetitive cost structure, the possibility of sustained fuel prices amidst an absent [fuel] hedge position, and continued unsustainable losses," he wrote in a Thursday research note

 

[General Lee]

I have a feeling those ratings would go STRAIGHT UP with a pilot concession---and we are waiting to give him one if he negotiates....

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[FDJ2]

Re: who needs a pay cut, things are improvin

Prudential Equity Group analyst Daniel Hemme cut the rating on Delta stock to "underweight" from "neutral weight" and slashed his price target to $7, down from $11.

"We believe the airline faces significant challenges with the uncertainty of market pricing, a noncompetitive cost structure, the possibility of sustained fuel prices amidst an absent [fuel] hedge position, and continued unsustainable losses," he wrote in a Thursday research note

http://www.thestreet.com/_yahoo/markets/ericgillin/10
154235_3.html
Brain Drain Hobbling Delta Air

"Furthermore, Delta's situation is improving on some
fronts. The company is making strong progress in
cutting other costs and pension issues may be
easing. Excluding pilots, analysts note Delta has the
lowest costs of any of the legacy carriers, thanks in
part to efficient use of planes and the fact none of its
other work groups are unionized. All in all, CASM fell
by 3.6% in the first quarter, despite a 12.3% rise in
fuel costs."



Just to add a little historical perspective here, last Apr DAL had $1.9B in unrestricted cash, operating expenses had increased 4.3% and unit costs had increased 5.9% year over year.

This April DAL reported $2.2B in unrestricted cash($300M more than in 2003), unit costs were down 3.6% despite a 12.3% rise in fuel costs ,operating expenses remained flat despite a capacity increase of 3.5% and operating revenue increased 4.3%. Except for voluntarily prefunding the non contract employees pension fund, DAL would have seen an operational profit of over $100M in the historically weak 1st quarter.