Originally Posted by
BostonMark
Tilton has said he wants out... so I would bet on Parker to run things - BUT unlike the HP/US deal, I would expect more of a true merger with UAs best top execs who want to stay being guaranteed jobs and some of US' worst being ushered out.
I also think a lot depends on the HQ for the new airline - if it remains in Chicago, which would make the most sense - you could see an exodus of US people who just don't want to have to move leaving the bulk of UA management in place.
pointing towards a possible Parker-run US/UA empire:
1. Tilton has certainly made it clear he wants out. His contract makes exit highly profitable, doesn't it?
2. UA is in probably the worst financial shape of the big six at present. As far as potential US partners, they represent perhaps the best chance for the US team to stay in charge of a merged entity.
3. Intra-Star merger means least routing disruptions for customers.
4. CO seems to want little to do with UA, and AA appears to be now in the midst of offering CO an alliance opportunity short of full merger.
5. Knifing UA's weakest hub (IAD) and US's weakest hub (LAS) would be an obvious starting point for "consolidating" and leave a clear role for PHL that would not be present in an AA or CO deal.