[Turbopilot]

Because the middle class is shrinking

False nonsense.

the dinosaur airlines are doomed.

False nonsense.

Why would anyone invest in an airline?

Vast capital investments, name recognition, and enormous established infrastructures for pennies on the dollar. Why not, at current prices?

[RunningWolf]

Vast capital investments, name recognition, and enormous established infrastructures for pennies on the dollar.

I agree. The route structure of UAL is very strong, IMO it is what will save it.

Also it is a travesty that these low cost guys come in and get a free ride on the infrastructure that the majors built for them.

Take a JetBlue. You've got new AirBus's which Airbus practically gives them away for a few years, then that your non-routine maint. costs are almost nil for the 1st 6yrs approx, you've got new employees with no benefits, no vacation, lower pay, a tax break, you do your heavy maint. in El Salvador, you've got your reservation agents working out of their homes. WHO CANT MAKE MONEY WITH THAT?

[greasepaint]

>Vast capital investments, name recognition, and enormous established infrastructures for pennies on the dollar. Why not, at current prices?<

the only reason that SouthWest is making money is,
they have a lot of 'big-fat-dummies' to beat up on,
ie United, Eastern, Northwest Orient, etc.

when all the dummies are dead, all Southwest's
competitors will be a lot like SW.
The Civil Areo Board, or whatever it was,
is gone forever...
Implies, perpetual overcapacity.
Also, when a big-fat-dummie dies,
their 'airport gates' becomes available to others.