Today is Friday December 6th and this is Patti Carson. First, I’d like to give you the latest information on voluntary furloughs. The flight attendant voluntary furlough award process is complete and voluntary furloughs have been awarded to 3,471 eligible flight attendants. There were a sufficient number of eligible volunteers; therefore, we will not impose involuntary furloughs during this process. Thanks to all of you who volunteered.

I’m sure you all know by now that the ATSB turned down our application for a 1.8 billion-dollar federal loan guarantee.

In the aftermath of that announcement, there has been much speculation in the media about the future of United. Whatever course we chart, I know this for certain. Our top priority must remain the safety of our airline and the care of our customers. Our single most important focus must be on the operation of our company. Without exception! If it is important today, it will be doubly important as we move forward.

Our competition will attempt to lure our customers away. It is up to each one of us to demonstrate, by our actions, that our customer’s loyalty is not misplaced. We have a tremendous reservoir of competitive spirit ready to do what it takes. Let’s work together to prove our detractors wrong.

Though there is some uncertainty as we await decisions, continue to work safely, stay focused and watch out for each other. Be confident! Today we are running a great airline and we will continue to do so.

To illustrate that point, I want to thank SFO-based flight attendants Janet East, Ana Ferra and Mo Lahooey for the outstanding service you provided to Anthony Gravante.

He credits the crew with providing the kind of service that; and I quote; “Makes me never want to fly another airline!”

“Janet, Ana and Mo made my flight an absolute pleasure, and Janet took wonderful care of me when I experienced a rare bout of pre-flight nausea.”

Mr. Gravante has been a valued customer for 17 years. He says that his experience with these employees was perfect – exactly what a reasonable 1K flyer wants.

Congratulations to this fine crew! Thank you taking an ordinary flight and making it a memorable experience.

That’s all for now. Thank you for calling. I will update my FLT-LINE message as breaking news occurs. You can also get official information in NewsReal and on SkyNet.

I’d like to close today’s message by borrowing a line from United’s newest print advertisement. “Let’s treat our customers like our future depends on it. It does.”