I've read loads of books on Herb Kelleher, and after each one all I can think of was:why wasn't I lucky enough to work for that man? Just as his airline puts it's own people first before the customers to get best results, the manangement put the staff before themselves and NOTHING is too much trouble for any of them. Why else would you have an airline that:
Always makes a profit, normally the biggest among US airlines;
Has pilots paying to type rate themselves to join;
Hardly anyone leaves; no-one gets laid off ever;
gets paid the most, and has the most fun?
Many other airlines have tried to copy, the closest is perhaps Gordon Betrhune at Comntinental; read his book "From worst to first" most of the others just suck! Don Cartty's action of ensuring the management pensions which ultimaltely got him fired, or asked to resign shows where the mans loyalty lies. But, all crews have been asked to give massive wage concessions in order to avoid Chapter 11, which the airline is only managing to avoid by this much!! I hope he chokes on his Golden parachute.