411A,
You're right about not listening. Or, just selective listening. I attended one of the brave Flight Officer's Memorial Service and was shattered by how close the tragedy hit home and was continually between tears and rage throughout the last 11 days.
This senseless act of religious fanaticism and devotion to death will have profound effect forever. The criminal and military justice brought about should be sweeping, precise and irrevocable. The economic crisis created by the inhuman acts can be reversed by time, healing and a sense of security throughout interconnected economies.
The world changed on 11 Sept. However, on 10 Sept, UAL was on course to lose 1B USD during '01. From UAL's seats to flower vendors outside hotels to just about every corner of the travel industry, everyone was not in their usual economic stride.
Your thoughts on an industry beset by woes before 11 Sept. are both unnervingly accurate but punctuated by incredible insensitivity.
The bright side is that people everywhere, and their precious goods need to go places, and they will return. Airlines, and the travel industry in general will return. Their return will not be judged by your analysis, but by a return of the brisk growth opportunities it offered, the product so many enjoyed and the promise of a continued prosperity.