Hi,
I think Flaps5speed180 has highlighted very relevant points re the Aviation industry. If the energy experts are to be believed then things are due to get much worse i.e with peak oil fast approaching, if not already passed, oil prices are set to soar in the next decade.
Climate change is a huge political issue. Here in Ireland the Green Party has just become a member of the ruling coalition government for the first time. An energy tax has been promised which will significantly affect low cost carriers like Ryanair. I believe the British Chancellor of the Exchequer has proposed a similar tax.
I know MOL is an arrogant individual who doesn't believe in consulation etc but he has helped hundreds if not thousands of young people realise their ambition to become a commercial pilot. Sure he availed of prevailing conditions post 911 and introduced the dreaded SSTR, but instead of blaming cadets who had no job or representation, why not blame existing pilots and their unions for not preventing it.
My son is an FO with FR and not bonded as a result of paying his own type rating. He earns pretty good money and is building his hours rapidly. He is not a great fan of FR but is happy that he is doing a job he loves and hopefully in a few years will have the experience and hours to move to one of the major carriers.