My apologies for not responding to the remaining comments. As was mentioned, I was in CLT, PHL and PIT and then diverted back to Charlotte after the Air Midwest accident. I might add that our colleagues providing support to the victims' families are doing an outstanding job under difficult and emotional circ*mstances and they deserve all of our thanks.
I then decided that once I finally got home that my kids needed my attention for a couple of days since I haven't seen them for two weeks -- and they tend to treat me a little nicer than some of the folks on this Board.
First, I thought I DID answer the question "will you ask for more?" when I stated that it is now our job to take the ratification results and cost savings and convince the ATSB that we should be given final approval on our loan guarantee. RSA is satisfied with this second round of savings and Dave Siegel has also responded to that question by saying we do not intend to ask for more. We fully recognize the difficult sacrifices all of you are making. If someone thought I was dodging, my apologies. I was only trying to stress that we don't take these sacrifices lightly, and that we (management) have communicated their significance to both RSA and ATSB.
As for Biffeman and your rather expressive characterization of the exchange in CLT on Tuesday, I couldn't disagree with you more. Rich, I will be responding to you directly so look for a hand delivered note on your next shift this week.
And Taylor01, I have worked the ATOs on many occasions and have talked to plenty of unhappy customers over the years. I know you work hard, and I also know that there are things we can do more efficiently. For example, that was one of the reasons we insisted that skycaps be allowed to provide boarding passes. Every other airline has this ability, and it will free agents to handle transactions, rebookings and more complicated customer service matters.
I hope we can now focus on where the company is going in a positive, constructive and respectful manner.
Chris Chiames