Northwest Airlines Slams GA

[jmbrwn]

Guys, the way I took Anderson's statements were that he wasn't against the Cessna's and Piper's, but against the Lears and GIV's flown by fractional companys like Flexjet, NetJet, etc. They basically run an on-demand charter, except you own part of the aircraft. The company gets away from paying landing fees, and other taxes under the guise of General Aviation.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[GAHorn]

Oh. Like THAT makes a difference!

[jmbrwn]

Yeah, it makes a big difference. These fractional companies are competing with airlines, which is fine, as long as they don't get a free ride on paying all the taxes that the airlines have to. By not paying these fees, it forces the airlines to pay more, and they are forced to pass along the costs to, guess who, you...the consumer. Unless you make transcontinental flights in your C170.

Yeah, I work for an airline...I'm also a GA owner/operator. IF you can afford to buy into a fractional, more power to you...they're expensive. I just expect them to pull their load.

[GAHorn]

Not to be controversial but if you can say it's OK for fractionals to be picked on by NWA (which by the way NWA did NOT single them out one little bit) then it's OK to outlaw personal pickup trucks on highways because they compete with 18 wheelers.
If you have a problem with fractionals then change the FARs that allow them to operate. If it's unfair competition then NWA should petition the FAA against fractionals....not try to throw out General Aviation entirely by misrepresenting the issue! My 2 cents.

[FredM]

I am sure everyone will be very disappointed to learn as of last friday Richard Anderson is no longer the CEO at Northwest. He was replaced by Douglas Steenland. Richard has resigned from Northwest and is now working as executive vice president for UnitedHealth Group a medical insurance company.