The chief of United Airlines yesterday called for a major overhaul of the nation's aviation system and emphasized that industry consolidation should be a part of those future changes.
Appearing at the Boston College Chief Executives Club, the blunt-talking Glenn Tilton also said Massport chief Thomas Kinton lobbied him at yesterday's luncheon to start up passenger service between Boston and China - something Tilton said United Airlines can't do on its own under the current system.
Tilton, whose airline is the second biggest in the U.S., said ``lazy attitudes'' and special-interest groups have prevented necessary reforms of America's aviation system, especially modernization of the U.S. air-traffic control system.
America is falling behind European and Asian rivals in investing in new airports, expansions and technologies - and it will hurt the nation's productivity in the future, he said.
``Today, we no longer lead,'' said Tilton, recalling that the rest of the world once looked up to America's aviation system.
Without mentioning any possible deals involving United, Tilton suggested major U.S. airlines will have to consolidate in order to be competitive with other nations' airlines.
``We at United have been talking about this for the past three to four years, and there's been very little company among us,'' said Tilton after his speech, adding that other airlines are now indeed talking about possible mergers.
In recent weeks, United has been the subject of merger speculation itself.
This month, hedge fund Pardus Capital Management LP launched a push to get Delta Air Lines to merge with United.
Tilton wouldn't say if United is in talks with anyone.
But he made clear that consolidation could cut duplicate costs for struggling U.S. airlines in an increasingly global economy.
As for Boston's Logan International Airport, Tilton said he sees expansion down the road in Boston. He said Kinton, who sat at a luncheon table with Tilton, had pressed United to start passenger service between Boston and China.
But under current trade rules with China, airlines have to apply for airport ``slots'' and can't just start service between cities, even if they wanted to, he said.
