The Parker prescription (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/business/11692336.htm)

I think I'm going to like this guy. A welcome breath of fresh air.....


Doug Parker, the man who will become chief of the new US Airways, isn't the typical airline executive.

At 43, he is the youngest CEO of a major U.S. airline. His company, America West, is posting some profits amidst a consistently money-bleeding industry. His most distinguishing characteristic, though, may be that his employees say they like him as a person.

"To the extent we can have fun and feel a real ownership and pride in the airline, he's definitely made it more so than it has been in years past," said Jim Fausel, 30, an America West first officer.

Friends and workers describe Parker as a witty, intelligent and friendly boss. As leader of America West, he has guided the airline through radical and innovative changes. America West eliminated Saturday-night stay restrictions and cut last-minute fares three years before Delta Air Lines pursued a similar strategy. It was also the first airline to begin selling $50 and $100 gift cards at convenience stores.

L4PI I agree with you, I know you have not been happy with the present US managment (I was not always happy either) but in the webcast yesterday Doug was asked who brought the two airlines together. He responded that Lakefield called him in Jan. and said lets look at putting our two airlines together. So I have to give Lakefield credit for going to HP and giving us the opportunity to have Doug bring these two great companies together. Just my two cents.

A summary graphic on the merger from the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2005/05/20/GR2005052000055.gif)

The board will have 4 execs (incl Lakefield) from US, 6 execs from HP (incl. Parker) and 3 execs from outside investment firms.

So which other 3 will stay? That's the $64,000 question of the day. ;)

Jimcfsus remeber these are board positions, so I think the other three will be non-employees, true business people.

Jimcfsus remeber these are board positions, so I think the other three will be non-employees, true business people.

LOL - that's right, they won't be US Airways employees, they'll be business people.

He responded that Lakefield called him in Jan. and said lets look at putting our two airlines together. So I have to give Lakefield credit for going to HP and giving us the opportunity to have Doug bring these two great companies together. Just my two cents.

I agree. I've never really been hard on Lakefield. Given his background he had to rely on the team around him.

But you know the best part? That is all behind us. It is a new beginning. And as I told a reporter yesterday, I'm excited about what is taking place and I'm willing to support it with a new management team in place.

The future looks brighter for US than I can remember in the last 10 years. Let's just hope it all works

I'm excited about what is taking place and I'm willing to support it with a new management team in place.

The future looks brighter for US than I can remember in the last 10 years. Let's just hope it all works

Welcome back Greg.