[QUOTE=Why the hell would they want to join the "bankrupt alliance for earth"?[/QUOTE]

Why should that turn them off? Air Canada went through bankruptcy and is now raking in the profits, making a number of significant changes to the way the airline industry operates, and completely overhauling their fleet. UA exited bankruptcy quite awhile ago and now Wall Street analysts have ranked it in the "best buy" category and raised their earnings and price targets. They say it will be a "banner year" for UA. USAir is now financially well-positioned and may lead the way in N.A. industry consolidation. Varig, from recent reports, while a vastly smaller airline is a much better one and may rejoin Star Alliance.

The only bankrupt alliance at this point is Skyteam with Delta and Northwest struggling to put together an exit plan and Alitalia (perpetually) on the brink of collapse.