>> OK Guys Lets pretend YOU got the job >> What would you do to turn UAL around and make if profitable >> We should get some pretty interesting ideas I think it will take far more that corporate buzzwords and meetings and management-by-objectives to turn UA around. I would propose some much more radical ideas. Even as CEO I don't know if I could get away with them, and they will make a lot of people mad - but they might make both pax and shareholders happy. 1. Retake the #1 position through the acquisition of another major carrier. US still makes the most sense, and it should be a lot cheaper the second time around, but there are other candidates - practically anyone in the top 10 except AA and DL. 2. Use every bit of regulatory and legislative "juice" to get the acquisition through. When consummated, use that #1 position and control over "the map" to hold the line on fares. 3. Ruthlessly pursue merger-based economies of scale and avoid duplication, in everything from the fleet to maintenance to IT. Park the least efficient aircraft from both fleets. Continue to drop (and offer to affilliates) routes that are unprofitable, while competing and lobbying to open routes that will be the most profitable, including cabotage and fifth freedoms where possible. 4. Reduce the policy influence of the unions to the maximum extent possible. Introduce merit systems replacing seniority systems where possible. Tie employee compensation (at least in managerial positions) to financial results and customer satisfaction numbers. 5. Avoid branding gimmicks like Shuttle by United, etc. (and the concept of trying to beat WN at its own game. Ain't gonna happen.). Killing Shuttle is the best thing UA has done in the last couple of years. -- Michael C. Berch mcb@postmodern.com