Questions from the crowd now.
What is CO's perspective on carbon offset?
-JS - CO would like to be better, as they spend $152/second on fuel, and CO is 30%+ more efficient now than they were 10 years ago. EU is considering taxing airlines for emissions as well, so that sort of thing is a big issue. JS thinks that the program that CO chose (and the set is going to grow) offers an expanded set of options in the offset program. That being said, uptake on the CO offset bit on co.com is pretty low, so apparently the passengers don't actually care all that much.
What benefits might change for International elites?
- LK - Not much except for the same day BF upgrades coming back. CO's product is stronger they think.
Will Open Skies change things?
- LK - CO has had rights to go to most of the EU from EWR as much as they want. Open Skies will be a LHR issue, sine if it isn't coming from EWR/CLE/IAH it doesn't make sense to push lots of TATL from the non-hubs.
3/29 to 3/30 will be the inaugural flight to LHR from IAH. CO will get a slot, and LK is confident that CO can get more than the one slot. LGW service will continue, especially from EWR.
Is the FAM program still "sucking you dry" in the premium cabin?
-JS - We cannot comment on issues of security, but "when FAMs get on the planes they choose their seats, don't pay a penny and choose to sit in F."
What about recognizing elites on the RJs with something like a drink chit?
- LK - Maybe.
With all the new entertainment systems, any chance of "Channel 9?"
- LK - Considering it.
What about EU expansion, such as MUC, VIE, other Central Europe?
- LK - Probably, but we're out of 767s and the 757s are at their limits, so airplane constrained. The 787s will be used first in areas like middle-east, Africa and S. Pac. Central Europe is probably closer to 2013. CO is not planning on growing too quickly (~6% annually is ideal) to keep the quality consistent and high.