ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 2093 times:
So, what happens when Gordon Bethune departs CO next week? Who's taking the helm? How will Bethune's departure affect COs future? Thoughts? Perspectives? Scenarios?
Pardons to long time A-Netters if this has been discussed previously.
Falcon84 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 2009 times:
I wonder if there's a new livery or brand planned to launch the Kellner era? After all, CO's current design is more than 10 years old...
Not a chance. The livery is clean, professional and recognizable with a consisten product. American hasn't changed theirs in ions, and has served them well. Liveries do not need to be changed just for the sake of change.
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 2009 times:
Artsyman Could you imagine that one of the best airline CEOs (never mind one of the most animated) leaving one of the healthiest airlines in the US has not been discussed on here about 4 million times over the course of the last year ? This is what the search function is for.
I had a fleeting thought this had been discussed. For exactly the reasons you point out. I can't imagine it wasn't talked about - probably at great length.
Fortunately for you, you've been here a while, unfortunately for me I have not. I shall endeavor to do better with the search function while I continue to develop my skills on A-Net.
In the interim, suppose you'll have to get over it huh.
Gnomon From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 1991 times:
Falcon84 --
I agree! And I hope CO doesn't change. But these days liveries seem to be much more short-lived than they were a couple of decades ago. Airlines seem to have "brand ADD" these days, AA being the single holdout I can think of.
CO's current livery was approximately comtemporary to NW's "bowling-shoe" livery (both were introduced within a few years of one another), which was replaced in 2003. UAL's gray scheme, also introduced around the time of CO's current colors, flew into the sunset this year. AirTran's lasted, what, six or seven years. Delta's Ron Allen scheme lasted three years. So it appears airline marketing folks don't always think like we do -- that color scheme isn't so critical.
I would not be surprised if the CO livery changed, but I agree that it would be a shame to see the current scheme go.
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 1961 times:
They won't change livery, too recognizable and cost is too high to change not just the aircraft, but everything CO touches. Plus, they have a sharp livery. No need to reinvent a wheel that isn't flat.
As for US Airways, I don't think it'll be around long enough for Gordon to do anything with. And I'm one that does NOT want to see it disappear, along with my quarter million miles. . .
Some "Theme Schemes" would be cool as pointed out . . . wonder what they could do? How 'bout a Bethune Plane?! Big pic of Gordo on the tail!
AZjetgeek From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 235 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (8 years 5 months 4 days 1 hour ago) and read 1939 times:
Personally, I'd like to see Gordon Bethune appointed to head the FAA. Unfortunately, politicians aren't generally smart enough to hire someone as qualified as Gordon. He proved to the entire industry that with positive, forward-thinking leadership, a bad airline can become a great one.
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4733 posts, RR: 30 Reply 12, posted (8 years 5 months 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 1775 times:
I heard Stephen Wolf was taking his spot. Stephen Wolf mentioned bringing on Carl Icahn as the CFO. Then they were talking of giving Frank Lorenzo a shot at the CIO position.
Oh man, I scared myself for a minute there! Let the flaming begin! LOL!
CRPilot From Costa Rica, joined Nov 2004, 311 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (8 years 5 months 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 1677 times:
Taking over for GB will be Larry Kellner as CEO and Jeff Smisek will be President. Both are former CO execs. Jeff is currently the Executive VP. They have both been with the company since 1995.
TRACON From United States of America, joined Nov 2004, 115 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (8 years 5 months 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1580 times:
Continental Airlines has achieved one of the most dramatic business turnarounds of the '90's. In 1994 the company was despised by travelers, employees, and shareholders. Its stock has since risen about 1,700 percent.
Gordon Bethune is a true man of integrity, loyalty, and kindness. His promotion to CEO of continental airlines has proved to be one of the airline industry's most successful decisions. I sure that where ever Mr. Behtune may be in the next few years, whomever he is with, they will benefit greatly from just his presence.
Mr. Bethune, you have done a remarkable job since those early, gloomy days back in 1994. You will remain a true aviation role-model in my heart. And I'm sure others feel the same way.
I hope that in the years to come, our world looks at what you've done, all that you have accomplished, and help make this world a better place.
For all of you interested in the history of Coninental Airlines, i encourage you to purchase Mr. Bethunes book: From Worst to First.
FlyCaledonian From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 1965 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (8 years 5 months 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 1532 times:
As CRPilot points out both men who are assuming the leadership at CO (No. 2 and No. 3 moving up respectively) have been there since 1995 when they were brought in by Gordon Bethune. There is an article in Decembers Continental magazine about the handover and one thing mentioned in this is that CO aims to continue on its present course, i.e. no major changes of direction, etc. Probably the only noticeable immediate change will be a new welcome/flight safety video (or at least a new introduction) as Gordon Bethune currently thanks you for choosing Continental on the current one.
AMS From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 1689 posts, RR: 12 Reply 18, posted (8 years 5 months 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 1482 times:
I Guess that CO will have to change their recorded welcome message of Gordon!....Anyway he has a pleasant voice, and enjoyed listening to his message onboard CO!
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From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
Big pic of Gordo on the tail! 
From Costa Rica, joined Nov 2004, 311 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2003, 1965 posts, 
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