[ale] Re: HP buys two new GVs

[tfreeman at intel.digichem.net]

Bob - I completely agree that corporate aircraft can save the company both 
executive time and real money. The purchase of 5 new aircraft at a time 
when jobs are being outsourced overseas, and apparently corporate 
financials aren't quite what they might be (I don't follow HP), strongly 
suggests to me that these aircraft are executive bragging rights, not a 
business investment. If the top executives have not cut their total income 
(like that will ever happen), to help with the new equipment for 
themselves, the executive suite is pumping itself up in importance at the 
cost of the rest of the company. 

IMHO of course, and your milage does vary. (Especially since your flying 
quite possibly saves the customer billing hours, and enhances the value 
delivered. Plus the flying probably keeps the technical staff sane...)

On Mon, 15 Sep 2003, Bob Toxen wrote:

> Mike,
> 
> While this may be just squandering money and I don't think much of HP or
> Carly,
> it could be legitimate and cost-effective.  As a long time pilot and
> aircraft
> owner (single-engine props), I can assure you that for someone whose
> time is
> valuable, that the time saved often can be well worth the cost of owning
> and operating the aircraft.  With all of the false security nonsense
> these
> days, I save lots of time by flying myself and I have more flexibility
> in times
> and can land at an airport closer to where I want to be.
> 
> When HP sends over ten execs to Bangalore to see how their Indian
> sweatshop is
> doing, the GV probably is more cost-effective than the alternative of
> first class
> travel there.  Look at the numbers!
> 
> On the other hand, how about writing about how HP is one of the computer
> companies
> with the largest outsourcing program of programmers, SysAdmins, and
> other computer
> people to India?
> 
> At least HP chose to spend this money on a Georgia-based company.  I've
> toured
> their plant in Savannah.
> 

-- 
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