>> We have an unwritten understanding on this thread. There is no such thing as tinfoil. Everything is significant. <<
Exactly. All input is welcome. How else can we connect the dots?
STAR TELEGRAM 4MAY2004
But in general, most analysts agree, none of the major carriers has a guaranteed future. They have all piled on such an enormous amount of debt that any shock to the system -- an economic downturn or domestic terrorism, for example -- could quickly send all six into bankruptcy.
"They're all so fragile right now," Jenkins said, "that the slightest nudge could put them all underwater."
American Airlines
Status: After more than a year of aggressive cost cutting, which included $1.8 billion in employee concessions, American has narrowed its losses. But the Fort Worth-based carrier is still losing money and hasn't been able to improve its revenues.
Strategy: American's management is working mightily to integrate cost cutting into the airline's culture and engage employees in the fight to slim down. It has been building a financial safety net with various debt offerings and is boosting its international presence, particularly in Asia.