How about making #1 on the "savage cost-cutting" agenda the ABOLITION of the ludicrous "performance bonuses" paid to management!
Pay THEM a set fee for the job that they are EXPECTED to do - if they don't, then replace them.
Other staff aren't paid extra when they achieve above expected quotas eg. the check-in staff who processes 120/hr instead of 60...the baggage handler who lifts more than 25kgs, or loads more than the usual number of pieces of luggage...the pilots who save fuel, or arrive early.
The number and cost of management in most airlines is WAY higher than it has been in the past, when airlines operated profitably!
Has anyone stopped to think that THAT may be the REAL CAUSE of so many airlines fighting for financial survival these days??!!
Management GREED.