I believe United is weaker than America West or Northwest. Furthermore, I would like to see US remain independent.
Right now I would not upset the code share apple cart durng a time when every penny counts.
IfUS Airways merges, I would rather see the company mege with Northwest then America West in that order because the combined business entity would be stronger than with United, unless the Chicago-based carrier can get its costs down further.
In regard to US Airways survivability, the new version of the business plan has been built for oil in the mid-50s with the further cost cuts and 5 fare increases in the last 1.5 months, the company has a projected CASM below Southwest adjusted for fuel, March numbers will be much better than February, cash projections are ahead of plan, and May and June bookings are much stronger than anticipated.
I have no idea what is on Doug Parker's mind, but if industry M&A activity occurs I believe it will happen with private equity or a financial fund providing the monies, just like David Bronner indicated when he publicly spoke of buying United assets for US Airways with RSA funds.
Interestingly, former US Airways CEO Dave Siegel and now Glenn Tilton and Doug Parker are both lobbying for consolidation; therefore, it's on their minds.
Regards,
USA320Pilot
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