Originally Posted by
Deskjocky
Is this the only argument you have?
Pretty much, it's a valid point.
Seems sucking on the taxpayer's tit blinds one to the truth. As GT asks, just how bottomless is this money supply? Even Comair had to stand on their own feet eventually but it appears the national carrier has no such intention. The LCCs were making a profit and surviving, expanding in some cases, unlike SAA who continue to require state bailouts. Those carriers are now funding their own demise through the tax paid by them, a portion of which, no doubt, will go to their competition.
A competition lawyer on the board would also appear to signal an intention to sail very close to the wind, judging by past anti competitive performance from the parent company.
As for the effect on the crews at SAA, well that's something that will have to be considered for the future, but friends who fly for them are not at all happy about the situation. At worst, a lot of pilots will lose their livelihood and prices will rise. At best, trade will be fair and healthy competition will ensure everyone's a winner, but on past performance, I'm not holding my breath.