If it was'nt for the entrepenuers and business guys, backed by specislists such as accountants and 'beanstealers' you would'nt have any airlines, what would you do then? Sell insurance?
The exact same group of people who are behind the scandalous activities that are so much in the news today and are unable to either decipher the activities within their respective organisations, or are at the very core of those activities!
If it wasn't for the pilots, engineers, flight attendants, baggage handlers, office staff and all the myriad of supporting personnel that comprise an airline, their wouldn't be the means of operating the aircraft to generate the revenue to pay the bloated salaries and compensatory packages that these key individuals you have identified are so deserving of.
There is more than one airline (or any other business for that matter) that has been driven to the wall by the arrogance of it's ownership or management, relative to the importance of it's key employees, ie: the ones that provide the basic business that generates the revenue.
I am unable to recollect a single airline that took flight without pilots, engineers, and all the other
essential personnel that comprise an airline. A sound business relies on the very best personnel in every capacity if it is to succeed.
Airlines (and any business) rely on overall planning, capability and the capacity of building a winning team. If it weren't for the remaining players on the team what would you be doing - collecting tickets on the tube?
These scumbag thieves that are stealing honest people's money deserve everything they are going to get - and they are going to get a lot. In penalising them, care should be given to ensure they recive treatment similar to the worst case of the individuals they have ripped off - left with absolutely nothing!
I have nothing in particular against anyone in any part of the business, but if you are trusted with the fiduciary responsibility for the company (and my money), you had damned well better understand the meaning of
responsibility and consequence!