Originally Posted by Anglo Large Clawed Otter (Post 9639682)

I've noticed myself referencing "C" on the UA Forum, whilst using "J" here. Guess I'm becoming bilingual in aerogeek.

Originally Posted by Larry Kellner/Jeff Smisek

Dear Co-worker,

We want you to know that our Board of Directors met today and has unanimously supported management’s recommendation that, in the current industry environment, the best course for Continental is to not merge with another airline at this time.

Our recommendation, and the Board’s careful and considered decision, followed a comprehensive review of our strategic alternatives, assisted by our senior officers and advised by Continental’s outside financial and legal advisors. The Board very carefully considered all the risks and benefits of a merger with another airline, and determined that the risks of a merger at this time outweigh the potential rewards, as compared to Continental’s prospects on a standalone basis.

We have significant cultural, operational and financial strengths compared to the rest of the industry, and we want to protect and enhance those strengths -- which we believe would be placed at risk in a merger with another carrier in today’s environment. We will, however, continue to review potential alliances and our membership in SkyTeam. We are considering alternatives to SkyTeam as we carefully evaluate which major global alliance will be best for Continental over the long term.

While some would prefer to see Continental pursue a merger, we strongly believe we have made the right decision – one that is in the best interests of our stockholders, co-workers, customers and the communities we serve.

Every U.S. carrier, including Continental, is under enormous pressure from record high fuel prices, a slowing U.S. economy and a weak dollar. In today’s harsh environment, we must continue to adjust our business model to ensure we successfully navigate through these difficult times, so that in the future we can once again grow and prosper. As we take actions, we will communicate them to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we must all continue to concentrate on what we do so well: delivering clean, safe and reliable air transportation every day.

Even in these tough times, we have great strengths. We have an enviable position in the New York market, a powerful hub in Houston, and hubs in Cleveland and Guam. We have a solid trans-Atlantic route network, which has recently been enhanced by our access to London Heathrow. We also have a great Latin American network and a growing portfolio of routes to India and Asia. We fly the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet and have the best new aircraft order book among the major network carriers.

Most importantly, we have our Working Together culture, and we will ensure it remains intact. We’ve achieved our industry-leading customer service reputation because of you – our co-workers. We will all work together to get through these tough times.

We are both proud to be on your team.

LARRY JEFF

Originally Posted by ConciergeMike (Post 9641152)

For those who hadn't seen it...

Originally Posted by Firewind (Post 9641076)

And, it's infantile and egocentric, but this move, and how CO chose to do it, also shows: You know how we see US? That's how CO must see OUR chosen airline. And so will the rest of the world.

And that hurts.

Originally Posted by sdm1130 (Post 9641235)

Haha - poor UA... :D

I've always thought how embarrassing it must be to be an elite with US. From CO's perspective, this move does put UA down in the pit with US.

Originally Posted by Anglo Large Clawed Otter (Post 9639675)

You don't have to be sober to make flashcards...only to memorize them. Ommegang Three Philosophers Quadrupel - Breakfast of Champions :D

Originally Posted by monitor (Post 9641339)

There was a time when being a US Chairman's Preferred was just about the best status in the industry. But that started coming apart about four or five years ago and recently there has been a mass bailing out of CPs trying to get away from the America West treatment of Preferred flyers.

I myself have flown zero miles on US this year and just am burning up my *A Dividend Miles on the likes of SQ, LH, and NZ. However, circumstances dictate that I will be trying the UA PS service in First next month.
...

Originally Posted by monitor (Post 9641339)

But that started coming apart about four or five years ago and recently there has been a mass bailing out of CPs trying to get away from the America West treatment of Preferred flyers.

Originally Posted by shell nyc (Post 9641390)

...I haven't really taken advantage of SkyTeam yet, and part of me was hoping for a move over to *A where I'm comfortable...it's not easy learning all of the partner timetables/routes/award redemption options on a whole new alliance! :p

Originally Posted by monitor (Post 9641507)

It's also not anywhere near as easy on SkyTeam to get exactly the award that you want. There are some *A carriers that you usually can depend on if you need a specific sort of award trip, especially to Europe. This is not the case with SkyTeam.

Originally Posted by Anglo Large Clawed Otter (Post 9641181)

Why'd you have do go and dump something serious/newsworthy in The Box? Can't you see people are busy getting drunk and forgetting about the outside world in here? :D :p

Originally Posted by shell nyc (Post 9641362)

Mmm...Ommegang...who's up for an upstate NY Belgian beer DO? 4hr drive from EWR, 1.5-2 from ALB/SYR, or maybe just a bar that serves a few of their brews?