For those with long memories, Continental 64 (B707-324) LAX-HOU, was hijacked in 1963 and the perps were arrested after the tires were deflated by FBI agents. After this and many other incidents, the SkyMarshal program was initiated and for awhile the incidents stopped. IF this very wise program had been continued, the 5000+ souls in NY, DCA and PA would no doubt still be alive. Security is a tough business, not for the faint hearted. Just ask El Al.
The Delta CEO was crying poor today, after having just signed a record-breaking pilot contract a short time ago. When airlines accumulate cash in profitable times, it should be saved for the lean times that certainly follow. But no, they increase executive salaries, shop around for other airlines to purchase (usually a very bad idea)and have little chance to save after labor (especially pilots)demand their collective slice of the pie. Planning is very short term.
Timber--
Quite real actually, s/n 1212, first engine runs completed yesterday.