Winging It

US Airways CEO Doug Parker and United CEO Glenn Tilton have told employees that they won't be merging - at least right now. Find the latest from AP here. For background on this ongoing drama, read Linda Loyd's Inquirer story at the link in the blog entry just below this one. Also, here are the first two paragraphs of Parker's letter to employees, sent early today. As usual with corporate statements, you have to read the second paragraph to find the "lead" or the main point of the story.

Parker said; "As you know, we have been assessing our strategic options over the last several months and there has been much speculation about our airline and consolidation. With fuel in the $130 range, I thought it would be helpful to let you know where we are at this point. Hopefully that will help to relieve some of the anxiety created by rumors.

"After much work and many conversations with other airlines, we have come to the conclusion that consolidation involving US Airways will not occur at this time. This is not to say that something won’t occur in the future – as you know I strongly believe that consolidation is required in our industry and that US Airways would benefit from participating. Rather it is simply unlikely that anything will happen in 2008 as our industry continues to struggle with how to function in a world with $130/bbl oil prices."