First Southwest, Now Airtran Onboard

[ralphcramden]

In a series of very interesting posts on USAviation.com's Delta Air Lines message board, Mr. ralphcramden broke the news on that forum ( http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32150 )that several other airlines were preparing to bid on certain assets of the struggling, Hapeville-based carrier.

As secretly told to Mr. ralphcramden by two highly connected New York-based investment bankers, the management teams of both LCC and DAL were expecting Southwest, AirTran, United, and possibly others to enter the process.

LCC management welcomes this development as a way to "downsize" DAL while simultaneously countering potential anti-trust and political objections. Most important of all, these bids will sweeten the pot in a way that will have the stakeholders clamoring for approval. This places DAL in danger of losing control of the process, which is always a potential outcome when a company enters bankruptcy protection. ( A concept first reported on this forum by Mr. ralphcramden here: http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32092 )



Mr.ralphcramden comments:

A merger between the Tempe and Hapeville based carriers is in the best interest of both carriers and their employees. A bidding war in bankruptcy court is a worst case scenario for DAL's non-management personnel.

When would now be a good time for WorldTraveler to put the interests of DAL's loyal frontline troops above those of the self-interested Hapeville management team? :huh:

Regards,

ralphcramden

 

[PhxMama]

Who is this mysterious ralphcramden? Hmmm...

 

[ATL 73N]

When pressed to explain his view of US Airways' present position in the industry and why exactly he was so in favor of the proposed transaction, Mr. ralphcramden became hostile and evasive, accusing the questioner of asking "loaded questions."

User ATL 73N said, "I don't think attitudes like these will lead to a productive integration between employee groups with such different corporate cultures. In fact, I think Mr. Parker's precise aim is to stoke the tension and conflict between his different work groups in order to take advantage of the situation, as he has done at US Airways. We at Delta have nothing against the hardworking people of US Airways, but we do not see Mr. Parker's management style and negotiating tactics as constructive."

Mr. ralphcramden could not be immediately reached for a response. A Delta spokesman said the Atlanta-based carrier continues to work toward emerging from bankruptcy as an independent company despite the media buzz surrounding the takeover bid.

 

[ralphcramden]

Who is this mysterious ralphcramden? Hmmm...

A respected industry observer.

 

[mcjava]

A respected industry observer.

Respected by who?

 

[flyhigh]

Unless you're Bob Dole, please don't speak about yourself in the third person...it's goofy!!!

As for the interest by FL on top of the already expressed interest by WN, it makes the deal seem more attractive. When other CEO's like Herb (less so for Leonard at FL) come out and see this as a high potential deal, it tells creditors who think voting for it could wreak havoc on the process of the current ch 11 that other airlines will help move it smoothly through the DOJ issues that are likely to come up.

 

[luv2fly]

Respected by who?

Himself of course. When you are an egomaniac that refers refers to himself in third person, who else matters?? :blink: