A pilots' strike would be fatal to Delta Air Lines.

The recovery plan does foresee a return to profitability and some upsides for the employees through profit sharing and stock options. What the unions asked was, 'What if the company becomes wildly profitable, beyond any projection.' We said that's a legitimate issue. That [return to investment grade debt] would signify things are very different than they are today, performing well above plan.

The fear I had was Rita would be the knockout punch to a city that still had its heart and soul.

They're not at that stage yet. ... The time will come.

If we don't have ratification by all three unions at that time, we are left with no choice but to file bankruptcy. It's a deadline the union leadership has been aware of for quite some time.

No union has indicated to the company that they have any intention other than to sign the agreement. We believe that's what is important.