the big problem for HP is this: just what is their advantage? what makes them attractive to a potential suitor? is it their hub/focus cities of PHX, LAS, and CMH? all have major competition from WN, which depresses their yields. Is it their product, which is so good that the high yield business traveller will pay more for the superior HP service?

~pauses here while laughter subsides~

they do have one advantage of the rest of the majors (including WN) in the fact that their labor costs are among the lowest. however, those low salaries contribute directly to the employee morale at HP.

IMHO, they are a dead duck. hopefully this loan app board holds true to the intention when created by greenspan, and forces them to come up with a realistic reorg plan before any money gets loaned. my hunch, however, is that McCain won't let that happen.

i don't see where HP in part or whole has much value to any airline in this day and age. would gordon want to take on WN in PHX, or fly planes in low yield leisure markets from LAS? is their fleet compatible with anyone elses? i don't know if their A319/320 and 757 fleets have the same engines as NW, but they would be the most likely candidate for some of the equipment. the old 737's would find a new home in the desert.

i can't see any airline trying to go thru the pain of a merger right now. they're going to be looking to labor for pay/benefit concessions shortly, and you don't try to merge a seniority list while you are trying to convince employees to take pay cuts. just ask anyone at United. they sure learned the hard way....

12 months from now, i think PHX will have a gaping void left by the demise of HP...