HeathrowGuy

I have yet to see a single criticism of Anderson or merger speculation posted here that's based on past history or stated future plans by any party involved. In fact, Anderson's past management experience at CO and NW, and Delta's moves during bankruptcy STRONGLY suggest that Delta will focus heavily on outright boosting customer service levels, and studiously avoiding any effort by the starry-eyed to force a merger with another airline that would poison labor relations and stifle the airline's plans for internal growth and product enhancement for the next 10 years (witness US/HP).

LegalTender

With current valuation below what US Airways offered for Delta, the airline would almost have to consider a deal with another carrier to increase shareholder value.

indufan

The "current plan" can only last so long. That has been one of the troubles of the airline industry as a whole is they are too slow to react to the market forces.

indufan

So, I am confused. If candidate A (in theory) was 10,000 % better than candidate B should B get a job because he has "a lot of loyal friends and co-workers"?

Specifically, what did Oscar do bad at NW? I am really willing to listen to you and despise the man if that is justified.

What if he brings service back to BGM?

jackplum

Having been out of town and just getting the news, I am saddened by the potential loss of Jim. I held him in great regard 9especially with his brutal honesty at the Velvet Rope Tour) but as others have said, it was most likely lack of experience that led to this decison. If he does leave, I have no doubt that he will get great offers.

On the other hand, Dan Carp was well regarded at Kodak and known for promoting within though sometimes not in Kodak's best interests. If he had any significant part in the decison, I would trust his judgement until events prove otherwise.

In the near term, I sincerely hope the bean counters back off and let DL continue on its recovery.

FrequentHopper

The bit about the "US deal being worth more than Delta's current valuation" ignores the fact that over half the deal was in US stock -- and US stock is trading MUCH lower than it was when Parker made his offer for Delta. Had Delta's creditors sold to US and held the stock for eight months, their investment would overall have had LESS value than Delta's present valuation due to US Airways' stock slide.

Right now, I think Delta can (and will) make it as an independent carrier. Strong profits, a good network, a tight operational ship, and a revitalized branding campaign are all good signs. At this point, I think they're well-positioned. A UAL or NWA merger would only mix all sorts of labor, fleet and cost problems (and a bunch of redundant hubs/routes) into the mix. And I don't think either UA or NW are as well-run operationally (or pleasant to fly).

DLfan

It sounds like you are describing a cult of personality...and those are rarely beneficial inside an organization. Those great folks, whose loss you are already lamenting, should be more loyal to Delta than to any one individual within.

FWAAA

How do you know that? For all we know, a combined US/DL might today be worth much more than the separate valuations of US and DL. You appear to think that US stock would have declined even if it had bought DL. Dunno from where you draw evidence of that.

You may be right; nearly every airline stock peaked in January and most have fallen off a cliff since then (CAL, AMR, UAUA, etc). But then again, it might have turned out much differently.

scassett

Keep in mind that had the US/DL merger been approved, it would still be going on and DL would likely still be in BK court. Most likely this would be view as an albatross around the neck of US stock and it would be even lower today. Then again who knows. That is the risk of a largely stock offered merger.

marais

What he said Yes I am disappointed that Whitehurst didn't make the cut, given his role in DL's emergence from Ch7. But Anderson needs to be given a chance to demonstrate his leadership in New DL. I'm willing to support him, observe what happens in the next few months as a pax, and re-evaluate after he has had a chance to settle in.

As for the motives of DL BOD, whether or not the selection was in some way to settle a score with Grinstein...bah, humbug A responsible BOD doesn't make decisions that way. For now I trust its decision, with the attitude ole' Ronnie Reagan had in a different circumstance: "Trust, but verify"

indufan

No one emerges from Chapter 7...that's liquidation. Delta was in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

SLC777RES

BK and the US merger attempt and the Top Brass influence in rallying employee support when all hope seemed lost, and then foregoing windfall bonuses and inturn handing payouts to the frontline. There's a natural tendency for us to be disappointed when a man who shared in none of that get's to reap the rewards of what seems to be someone else's hard work and sacrifice.

If he works out great, but it's slap in the face of two fine gentleman who probably hoped privately and deservedly for a better return

HeathrowGuy

It really is no such thing - Bastian got a promotion to President and Whitehurst will get a few million as a parting gift once he finalizes his next move.

SLC777RES

Valid point, but I'm sure Whitehurst would have preffered staying on as either CEO or President over a couple mil and CEO of Virgin

DLfan

And why can't he stay? If he's really a loyal Deltoid, he'll put his ego aside and keep doing what he does well for the company. If he's been quoted (and I don't know for sure if he has) as threatening to leave if not promoted, then that takes a little luster off his shine, too.

Are you leaving (or even considering it), too?