WN to ground 190 flights

[B727Driver]

Hey AA...whatever.

May be this is a good time to cut back the schedule a bit, modify the -300's and -700's for RNP upgrades (autothrottles and such) and send the flight crews to sim training for their new equipment.

Seems to the boys in Dallas that a full schedule with a decreased load factor doesn't make sense while pulling crews for training and paying OT.

But what was I thinking, you know everything.

 

[satpak77]

1. It will be a long time and a lot of pain before SWA actually furloughs. But is it possible? Ala Delta, YES it is possible. Anyone who claims otherwise is a fool.

2. 190 Flights represent approx 6% of their flight activity, which I believe is 3200-3500 a day. How much revenue does it represent? It also represents costs. Obviously SWA is concerned, you don't cut 190 flights because "things are looking up"

3. 2009 and definitely 2010 will be a "reality check" for SWA as most of their fuel hedges (hedged at prices below $80) will be expired.

4. According to SWA's own people, basically no fleet expansion and possible future expansion to be cancelled. Don't believe me, listen to their own people.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080826/southwest_cuts.html?.v=3

Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said Tuesday that some of the eliminated flights, which span Southwest's nationwide network, could be restored later in 2009. Late winter is typically a slow travel period.
"This is a response to a slower traffic period, and we're giving ourselves some operational flexibility in the winter months," he said.
Southwest is better insulated than its rivals from high jet fuel prices because it bought options to get most of its fuel at below-market prices. Still, the airline's fuel bill has been rising, eating into margins at the most consistently profitable U.S. carrier.
Chairman and Chief Executive Gary Kelly said in June that the Dallas-based low-cost carrier hoped to grow modestly in 2009. But he tempered that outlook by saying the expansion plans could be scrapped if oil prices remain high or the economy weakens.
At the time, Kelly said Southwest still planned to add 14 new planes next year. Mainz said Tuesday that new planes will be added while older aircraft are retired, keeping the airline's fleet "relatively flat." Southwest has about 530 jets, all Boeing 737s.

Rough times ahead folks...the Kool-Air might be getting sour...

 

[DH2WN]

You think Bel Air is a good neighborhood?? wow...you are worse than I thought.

 

[Scope out RJ's]

Sounds like, as usual, a lot of people talking out of their a$$es.

And here's one of those southwest skirts now!:laugh: Don't forget to vote yes on the furlough of the junior guys so you don't have to take the average flight hours down.

 

[400ADude]

You think Bel Air is a good neighborhood?? wow...you are worse than I thought.

Sure whatever. Your story doesn't add up dude. If you want to feel sorry for yourself go ahead.

 

[Whataburger]

Weren't we supposed to cut back this year?
About twenty classes so far.
We otta make it. If not, this was a good ride too.

 

[MILPILOT17]

And here's one of those southwest skirts now!:laugh: Don't forget to vote yes on the furlough of the junior guys so you don't have to take the average flight hours down.

Of course furloughs are possible, but what do you think the odds would be in
Vegas on a SWA furlough seeing how they haven't furloughed a single person, EVER! I'll take my chances with those odds any day, but yes a furlough is always possible.

 

[Tanker Clown]

I guess they're due then. I think some of the other folks hit the nail on the head. Are the old senior dudes going to give up trips so a new hire can stay on property? Probably not. They didn't care about those guys when they pushed for 65. Do you think when they start talking furloughs coming up here that the 60+ crowd will volunteer to retire? HA HA HA HA HA.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Rough times ahead folks...the Kool-Air might be getting sour...

I say...let's wait and see what actually happens.

Case in point...every year since I've been here, the wailing and knashing of teeth takes place as they tell us from the "head shed" that the 1st Quarter will probably show a loss...

..hasn't happened yet. Not to say it can't ( 4th airline), but not yet.

In addition, this year ( 2008) we were told that we were only going to hire 130-140 pilots...we are now looking at hiring around 500-550.

2 more New Hire classes of 24 each, starting in September.

Big change.

Once it actually happens...then we can talk.

 

[Scope out RJ's]

Of course furloughs are possible, but what do you think the odds would be in
Vegas on a SWA furlough seeing how they haven't furloughed a single person, EVER! I'll take my chances with those odds any day, but yes a furlough is always possible.

A fool and his money are soon parted.