Hunter,
If you can believe this, Atlas makes more money if the planes are sitting then if the planes fly. Our birds are on long term contracts, so the customer pays us even if we don't fly. If we don't fly, the company doesn't have to pay as much for the crews, and doesn't have to take the hit on maint. on the A/C.
So, as long as we aren't having contracts cancel we are golden. Atlas does well no matter what. Fuel prices go up, we aren't affected directly. We don't fly, we aren't affected initially. It's the golden goose and the cash cow all rolled up into one.
Don't get me wrong, if long term, like over a year or more, things stay bad, I'd be worrying. But when you compare us to other companies like UPS, FedEx, and the rest of them. No one, can touch us! Our profits are consistently over the 25% mark! Do you have any idea what companies like UPS and FedEx are making for profits? 6-8%
Now you say, can they afford to pay us??? you are a smart man, you tell me?