I understand the company target is to still try and fly a fleet of 279 aircraft and has been making good progress with the lease companies. Unfortunately, some aircraft lessors will not agree to market rate leases until the aircraft in question have actually be flown to MHV, parked, and returned.
In this environment it's easy to understand why lease companies will try to avoid a financial loss with over 1000 airliners parked in the desert. With the prospect of UA filing for a formal reorganization, aircraft lessors must make a tough stand to try and preserve as much lease income as possible.
Aircraft financiers are going to be taken to the cleaners over the lease payment restructuring and US has a one-time opportunity to lower aircraft rental fees, which will make the company more profitable over the long-term.
However, the company cannot afford to operate aircraft that do not make money especially in this environment where capacity exceeds demand that could become worse if war breaks out in the Middle East.
Chip