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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by duxfan: Funny how an airline can "go negative" in how it treats cutomers (sticks rather than carrots), but you have to sprinkle some sugar around in order to get a CEO to hear customer feedback.</font> Look at the thread on revs and non-revs on how some of the employees are feeling and even quitting because of it. Even if a small percentage of employees have such a poor opinion of the CEO (a remarkable change from the previous years), then the CEO needs more than sugar-coating. He needs a wake up call. I would respect a CEO that came in front of its critical customers and gave his position honestly than one who called an unabashed cheerleader. Most Emperors in history surrounded themselves with sychophants before their downfall. |
I never said that I liked the HoKeY restrictions, which do put a damper on the frequency of my BF travels. What I am saying is that I appreciate CO's efforts to maximize revenue and stay in business, which benefits me in the long run.
While others may cheerlead UA, US, and AA, the bottom line is that the "cutomer loyalty and goowill" generated by those airlines' lenient policies isn't paying the bills. When UA seeks court protection, I would urge each and every UA FTer to go the BK Court and tell the Judge how wonderful United's policies were... |
good for gordo on the callback.
[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 09-03-2002).] |
I too am surprised that Gordo called you back.
How exactly did you get his voicemail number? Is this out in the public domain?? |
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by avek00: What I am saying is that I appreciate CO's efforts to maximize revenue and stay in business, which benefits me in the long run.</font> And, I have the perspective of being a former shareholder and a former Continental employee. I strongly disagree with your conclusion that recent changes will make CO more profitable and make them stay around longer. Exactly the opposite. Gordon is running the company into the ground for all the reasons heretofore articulated by many astute FT'ers who regulalry decide whether or not to spend their money on Continental. P.S. If anyone else would like to leave Gordon voicemail, email me and I'll tell you how. You will need a not-blocked outbound line for caller ID purposes. |
Calling really does work? How so? Did calling result in any action other than a return phone call thanking you for thanking him? Weren't you calling Mr. Bethune irresponsible less than a month ago? My how your tune has changed!
------------------ "We will not cut benefits from OnePass, our industry-leading frequent flyer program, because we remain committed to rewarding our most loyal customers." -- Gordon Bethune (Continental's CEO) two weeks before significantly cutting benefits of the OnePass program |
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. |
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by avek00: I appreciate CO's efforts to maximize revenue and stay in business, which benefits me in the long run. While others may cheerlead UA, US, and AA, the bottom line is that the "cutomer loyalty and goowill" generated by those airlines' lenient policies isn't paying the bills. </font> |
As things stand now, Continental is basically breaking even if not generating small operating profits. I agree that time will tell on the new changes, but up to this point, CO's strategies have proven to be among the most successful in the post-9/11 industry environment...
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">When Continental turned in a staggering $139 million second-quarter loss instead--bringing the carrier's first half losses up to $305 million--Bethune said it wasn't his fault. He would have been profitable had it not been for his stupid competitors, he said. Now Continental is in serious trouble. It is burning through almost $2 million a day even though it has the lowest labor costs of the Big Six carriers. There is no hope of profit in the foreseeable future and the carrier might lose as much as $750 million this year. Unlike its competitors, Continental has few assets to sell or mortgage to help it weather the next storm. And Continental has lost more than its share of high-yield business travelers, due primarily to its heavy-handed tactics with corporate travel buyers and its infuriating cuts to the OnePass program. </font> |
Yes, CO lost a great deal of money in Q2 2002. However, early indications suggest that CO is, at the least, VERY close to (or even past) the operational breakeven point for Q3 2002. That said, debt servicing and one-time charges will likely prevent CO from achieving a "real" profit through at least Q2 2003.
[This message has been edited by avek00 (edited 09-04-2002).] |
What early indications may I ask?
Need to separate facts from wishful thinking http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif |
For the months of July and August, Continental exceeded its breakeven load factor number. For July, Continental achieved a load factor of 79.4%, 0.4 points above its estimated breakeven load factor of 79.0%. In August, Continental achieved a load factor of 79.1%, 1.1 points above its estimated breakeven load factor of 78%.
September will almost certainly prove to be an operational money-loser, though. The estimated breakeven load factor for that month is a virtually unattainble 87%. Although the RASM/CASM figures are necessary to give a more precise description of CO's current condition, the LF data suggests that CO more or less did OK this quarter on a purely operational basis. |
Wow!
I wonder if I call any other airlines' CEOs, how many will actually call me back. There are often many negative comments at this board about Gordon or CO, I rarely respond to the comments. I understand the frustration and the need to vent. But a company at CO's size, and at a very difficult time for overall airlines industry, I am very impressed that Gordon actually returned a customer's phone call. It says a lot about Gordon and Continental's culture. I believe there are many of us, if not most of us, at this board that disagree with many malice remarks but never bother wasting time writing about our thought. Deep down we do appreciate CO and what Gordon brings to CO. [Edit for misspellings] [This message has been edited by Bookexp (edited 09-04-2002).] |
Some people are so easily seduced by a powerful man.
And some, just like to be personally ENHANCED. Glad you enjoyed it. The Emperor has no clothes. And is a liar. |
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