My beef with Gordon has nothing to do with the operational side of Continental Airlines. My grievances deal with his approach to CAL's debt, which has mounted considerably under his leadership, and will ultimately force an "end" to CO by the end of the decade.

That said, Bethune's work at CO has positioned the company well for a merger or acquisition as soon as the economy begins to rebound. I expect and eagerly anticipate a corporate combination with Delta, Northwest, or both at some point down the road.