Dave's Weekly Message & Thoughts

[USFlyer]

Folks -

Listen, we've been down this path over and over and over and over. Chip likes to speculate, and, quite honestly, there's really nothing wrong with that. Perhaps he has inside sources, perhaps he doesn't, who really knows, who really cares. If you don't like what he has to say, it's really so simple just not to read it. There are a number of posters here who I refuse to respond to, as I think their posts do nothing but complain and inflame other people. Is it really worth clogging up thread after thread complaining about Chip, though?

Just my two cents ... from someone who's tired of every thread drifting off topic to a "Chip vs. the rest of the posters" discussion.

 

[usramperTPA]

The LCC/US Airways CASM is Jetblue 6 cents, Southwest 7.5 cents, AirTran 8 cents, and US Airways 9.5 cents. Furthermore, American and Untied have lowered there costs below US Airways and in fact now have lower labor expense than US Airways employees.

Do I like it? Nope, not one bit, but it's a fact. Can somebody tell me where I am wrong here?

Hey Chip,

Just what exactly are the lower CASM's of AMR and UAL? Some of us are curious and would love know their "lower" CASM's and the source of where you got the info.

Regards,

usramperTPA

 

[robbedagain]

CHIP: if there is some sort of deals in the work between the two airlines, would it be possible if U got say some of the international routes--IAD-LHR or ORD-LHR?
or what kind of deals regarding the routes would be included if any?

 

[USFlyer]

Who can fly to LHR is dictated by international treaty, so no matter what happens US will not be flying into LHR anytime soon. Honestly, it's ridiculous this still exists, especially with the access BA and Virgin Atlantic have to the US market.

 

[767jetz]

Let's pick this apart, shall we?

Chip says: "the information I post comes from reliable Wall Street, News Media, Union, and Company sources."

767jetz replies: So does the info posted by most people who challenge you. What makes your sources better than others, especially WRT United Airlines? This "my sources are better than yours" nonsense is childish, Chip.
_______________________

Chip says: "but it's all true to the best of my knowledge."

767jetz replies: But your knowledge is only as good as your source. Your "best" knowledge may or may not be very extensive. See above response.
_______________________


Chip says: "There have been and continue to be corporate combination discussions occuring between United and US Air"

767jetz replies: Maybe yes, maybe no. This still proves nothing. Maybe UA wants US to be their new regional feed. Maybe UA wants parts of US like the shuttle. (Interest in that has been expressed many times, which surely should be reason enough to believe it, according to you. Right?) There is no shortage of clever scenarios that one could create, either way, that could be supported by selectively picking news articles and sources.
_______________________


Chip says: "If a reader does not like what I post do not respond or participate."

767jetz responds: Gee Chip, if you don't like what UA persons say in response to your speculations, then just don't respond or participate. Oh yeah, I forgot how much you like to have the last word.
________________________

Chip says: "if my information is of no concern, then why do the United employees even bother responding?"

767jetz replies: Boy, are you dense. Maybe your never ending speculations are so riddled with inaccuracies and double standards that people get a certain level of entertainment pointing them out. Trust me, your "information", or more accurately speculation, is of no concern. However your arrogant internet persona invites scrutiny.
________________________


Here's a rhetorical question for you. If you are so well informed and connected to secret sources, why do YOU feel the need to share it on a forum like this? Wouldn't your vast knowledge be better spend in secret meetings, or with your fellow pilot group, or those that share your opinion? Or do you have a need for others to think you are important? Those of real authority and insight do not need to convince others.

It is obvious and understandable that you are insecure about USAir's future, and want nothing more than to aquire through other's loss, what you have not been able to obtain yourself. But wishing on a lucky star, and posting it over and over again will not make it come true.

 

[Twicebaked]

In all seriousness, we need to stop typing this stuff about Dave and actually do something about it.

Union reps..what grounds if any do we have to present to the board why Dave needs to be fired?

It is obvious that he is not succeeding in the job he was hired to do.
Union busting? He is failing
Returning company to profitability? He is failing
Running it into the ground? WE HAVE A WINNER!!! Is this REALLY what the board wants?

Cant' somebody somewhere get this board and Bronner to do something?

 

[Bear96]

Chip likes to speculate, and, quite honestly, there's really nothing wrong with that.

Of course there is nothing wrong with speculating and sharing your opinions. But anyone who has been paying attention knows that this is not what is going on here.

When you go beyond mere speculating and your main purpose is to inflame others and show your sour grapes, you should expect others to respond in kind.

 

[Todd B]

For the 2nd time today, Please get back on the original topic (Dave's weekly message).

 

[USA320Pilot]

Usrampertpa:

I do not remember saying that AMR or United have a lower CASM than US Airways. I believe I said that the American employees have a lower W-2 expense than US Airways and the United contracts are more productive, e.g. outsourcing heavy maintenance with the closure of the Indianapolis and Oakland maintenance facilities and the flight crew losing their duty rigs of 1:3.5 are two examples.

In addition, long-haul flying has lower unit costs than short haul.

I just reviewed the AMR consolidated statements of operations and the company did not use the term CASM, but said its Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding Regional Affiliates dropped 19.4 percent from 11.70 cents to 9.43 cents.

United reports its earnings this Friday and we will know about their financial performance at that time.

In regard to US Airways, David Siegel said on Tuesday that the company still needs to reduce its costs, despite emerging from bankruptcy more than six months ago and posting a CASM of 9.54 cents. In a conference call with analysts and reporters, Siegel said the carrier would need to get unit costs below 9 cents.

Regards,

Chip

 

[robbedagain]

USFlyer: Thanks for the post. Does Virgin have more flights into the US than BA or the other way around??

 

[motnot]

In addition, David Bronner and Dave Siegel have both said they are interested in acquiring United assets, therefore, this should be reason enough to believe my comments.

Chip, I'd be edified to see a link to where Bronner or Siegel said they want to acquire UAL assets, because my memory is failing me. Thanks.

 

[AOG-N-IT]

In addition, David Bronner and Dave Siegel have both said they are interested in acquiring United assets, therefore, this should be reason enough to believe my comments.

Chip, I'd be edified to see a link to where Bronner or Siegel said they want to acquire UAL assets, because my memory is failing me. Thanks.

A couple of thoughts on this entire subject.

(1)Siegel is most earnest about drawing comparisons between our costs and that of the LCC's...we have all heard that in his weekly manifesto.

However Siegel refuses to address his compensation...or that of his evil minions in an alike fashion....Smell a Rat yet?....is this all about him or what?

(2) Should Chip be remotely correct about the beaten path between CCY and UA WHQ?...and lets just say for a moment he is for arguement sake...heres where we'll be

(2a) With intergration of any aspects of or seperate businesses ...thousands of U and UA employees will be tossed to the curb...that is on top of the thousands already furloughed or expressed into oblivion at present.

(2b) Labor strife and senority issues will never allow this to happen , let alone function in thier desired invisionment....this would make the U , PI PSA mergers look like a trip to Disney World.

The real issue is this...If Dave and Crew or even UA's leadership are wasting valuable time on this course of action?...all parties above are wasting valuable time and effort on whimsy Vs. solving and or correcting whats actually wrong with both our esteemed companies.

Dave can repeat the same diatribe week after week...but unless some un-fortunate act is at hand that allows Force Majuer" or suspension of all the concerned laboring factions contracts...which is doubtfull , All parties including Captain Munn are expending vasts amount of time and energy on nothing...and it's attempts shall yield nothing in both the long and short term.

The issue is becoming competative....and that means flying to places that people want to go to...and providiing a stellar service while doing so. Charging premium prices with Greyhound-esque service levels is not the answer...nor is alienating those that perform the day to day functions that make us an air carrier to begin with.

Fix the internal flaws...and expand based on profits and actual performance based means...growth via UCT/ICT's is pure folly...and will yield contempt and further neglect of the real issues that got us both into this position from the start.

 

[AP Tech]

Hey Ch**,
How about we all work for free and then" good ol labor freindly DAVE" can get "his" cost in line and will will start making money!!!!!!!!!!I personally would rather have "Dave" shut the door on what is left of this operation than give any more concessions!!!!!!!! :down:

 

[frankbooth]

767jetz:

I'm not going to go tit-for-tat with you, but as I have said all along, Untied is going to badly miss its DIP targets and according to many "informed sources", the company must sell assets to emerge.

If United is such a strong company, how come nobody has come to the party to provide exit financing for over one year (before and after the Chapter 11 filing)?

Earlier today I visited your company's message board and there is very little activity. It's clear that you follow me around, attempt to make corporate comparisons, and try to "shoot the messenger".

When have I ever done that?

Instead of following me around seeking my posts, why don't you debate the issues on the United board? Or...why not go to another airline board? But, on second thought, your new writing style and messages are truly a compliment to me, because you do not seem to debate anything else or make any other posts.

For that, thank you.

You are certainly allowed to post wherever you like, but I'll make a deal with you and the other United posters. I will not post on the United message board and you do not post on the US Airways board. Then we would not have this dispute -- fair enough?

Regards,

Chip

Oh my freakin god! I's as easy as that! Done and done again! Thanks Chip, it's been a barrel of laughs. I'll probably keep checking the U board for your peculiar insights, but I promise never to post on it again.

 

[sfb]

To try to correct the CASM numbers (in cents) for the airlines which have reported so far this quarter, excluding special charges/credits, if any:

US Airways
Mainline CASM: 10.98
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 9.52

Delta Air Lines
Mainline CASM: 10.21 (this may include ASA/Comair)
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 8.81

American Airlines
Mainline CASM: 9.49
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 7.96

Continental Airlines
Mainline CASM: 9.01
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 7.63

Northwest Airlines
Mainline CASM: 9.34
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 7.89

Southwest Airlines
Mainline CASM: 7.51
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 6.34

America West Airlines
Mainline CASM: 7.57
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 6.27

Alaska Airlines
Mainline CASM: 9.48
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 8.12

AirTran Airways
Mainline CASM: 8.11
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 6.36

JetBlue Airways
Mainline CASM: 5.92
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 4.89

ATA Airlines
Mainline CASM: 6.90 (may include Chicago Express)
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 5.64

United Airlines (2nd quarter)
Mainline CASM: 10.10
Mainline CASM excluding fuel: 8.69

Please note that it is inaccurate to compare US Airways' costs excluding fuel to other airlines' costs including fuel (as was the case with a comparison between UAIR's numbers and AMR's numbers above). Also note that costs generally tend to go down with increases in average stage length.