...they took half of the money and effort they've put into starting 4 "new" airlines and instead put it into improving service, working conditions, equipment, benefits, and the like?

Instead they are cutting back benefits and service, employees and benefits, seat pitch, and so on, all apparently to finance building an aviation empire.

'The fastest way to become a millionaire is to be a billionaire and start an airline.' Attributed to Richard Branson, billionaire eccentric and founder and owner of Virgin Airlines, among other things.

So what happens if you start four airlines?