WN Expresses Interest in LGA/DCA Slots

[The Prussian]

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Southwest Checks Out LaGuardia and National

Ted Reed

03/04/10 - 06:00 AM EST

DALLAS (TheStreet) -- Southwest(LUV Quote) is eyeing slots at New York LaGuardia and Washington Reagan National airports.
Two Southwest executives recently questioned the mechanics of slot sales that would be required as a condition to the Transportation Department's approval of a proposed deal between Delta(DAL Quote) and US Airways(LCC Quote), according to a report filed with the department.
In the deal, proposed in August, US Airways would have gotten 42 slot pairs at National and other assets including slots at Tokyo's Narita Airport, while Delta would have gotten 125 slot pairs at LaGuardia. The transaction would have further strengthened each airline at an airport where it is already strong.
The DOT said last month it would require slot divestitures at both airports. The airlines would have to give up 14 of the 42 slot pairs at National and 20 of the 125 slot pairs at LaGuardia and to sell them to carriers that control fewer than 5% of the slots at each airport. The airlines said they would review the proposal, but noted that "if this order is implemented as proposed the transaction will not go forward."
In the filing last month, Rebecca McPherson, DOT assistant chief counsel, said she participated in a Feb. 12 conference call with two Southwest executives, who called with questions regarding the divestitures. The questions concerned the mechanics of a slot sale, "whether an interested carrier could purchase multiple slot packages at each, either or both airports," and whether Delta and US Airways would "provide gates so that the purchase of slots world result in the acquiring carrier being able to initiate or expand service."
Southwest spokeswoman Beth Harbin said "we had some questions about the (DOT decision) and the mechanics of a slot sale, should there be one." Harbin said Southwest will file comments with the DOT and noted that the carrier has not formally declared an interest in slots at either airport. Southwest operates eight daily departures at LaGuardia, where it began service in June 2009. It does not fly to National.
In its ruling, the DOT said the divestitures were necessary because, at both airports, it is likely that the proposed transaction would make the dominant airline even more dominant and more able to increase fares --- which are already high compared with other airports in the same area.
Currently, National has a total of 832 slot pairs, while LaGuardia has 1,143. The DOT said that with its proposed divestitures, US Airways would have 51% of the slots at National, while Delta would have 45% of the slots at LaGuardia. -- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C. .


Expresses interest only...just not formal interest...

 

[chqflyer]

So the DOT is blocking the swap deal unless both cariers give slots and gates to WN? Why would WN willingly want to get airplanes stuck in two airports that routinely have 3-4 hour EDCT's?

 

[spciii]

Probably because we will isolate the delays by flying them to places like LGA . . .which have 3-4-hr EDCTs.
I don't think we'll be seeing any non-stops from National to Lubbock. So Sorry General!

 

[BoilerUP]

Why would WN willingly want to get airplanes stuck in two airports that routinely have 3-4 hour EDCT's?

IAD gets delayed longer, and more often, than DCA does...but yeah, LGA sucks for delays.

 

[Whataburger]

So the DOT is blocking the swap deal unless both cariers give slots and gates to WN? Why would WN willingly want to get airplanes stuck in two airports that routinely have 3-4 hour EDCT's?

Gary said on his 2009 report that LGA demand is WAY above supply. He said we need/want more gates but there aren't any.

 

[johnsonrod]

Sounds like SWA and Jetblue have MUCH BETTER LOBBYISTS than Delta and USAirways. I am sure that Jetblue's threat of moving the HQ (and hundreds of jobs potentially) to Orlando also scared Chuckie Schumer into pressuring Delta and USAirways into submitting to his will...

What happened to free-market capitalism? Why can't two companies complete a transaction like this without Government interference? Wouldn't the citizens of the DC/Northern Virginia area have benefitted from all of the completely new routes (something like 17 new destinations from DCA) USAirways was going to add at DCA with the new slots? Delta and USAirways own those slots and they should be able to swap them - Jetblue and SWA don't own those slots. If they want more slots, LGA and DCA should expand via new runways and terminals (yeah, that's not likely) or they should offer to buy the slots for super-premiums (not likely either because Delta and USAirways don't want the competition). What's done is done - two companies that own slots should be allowed to swap them and their assets. Last time I checked this ain't France (even though Barry Obama wants us to be the United States of France).

On the plus side, I guess the Piedmont pilots are thrilled that their LGA flights will likely be preserved now that the trade probably won't happen - right? Any update on Piedmont and LGA?

 

[luckytohaveajob]

Gary said on his 2009 report that LGA demand is WAY above supply. He said we need/want more gates but there aren't any.

So why doesn't SWA just get a bigger airplane? The B737-900ER could hold 215 passengers verse the -700 125 plus or minus a little. SWA could almost double capacity with the same slots at LGA now. If Gary really thought there was a demand you would think he would do something about it. Guess not.

I bet a SWA pilot couldn't fly a -900. The -900 is too much of a plane for a plane for a corn dog weenie.

 

[Hose A. Jiminez]

prolly right

 

[generaltso]

Delta and USAirways own those slots and they should be able to swap them - Jetblue and SWA don't own those slots.

Your wrong, Delta and USAir don't own these slots - the government does.

 

[redflyer65]

There are no Corndogs left anymore.

 

[Whataburger]

There are no Corndogs left anymore.

Their's at least one -700. NxxxHK.

 

[Whataburger]

So why doesn't SWA just get a bigger airplane? The B737-900ER could hold 215 passengers verse the -700 125 plus or minus a little. SWA could almost double capacity with the same slots at LGA now. If Gary really thought there was a demand you would think he would do something about it. Guess not.

I bet a SWA pilot couldn't fly a -900. The -900 is too much of a plane for a plane for a corn dog weenie.

-900? Don't even know what that is. Different type rating we'd have to pay for I suppose. PFT.

Gary knows nothing. Preserved jobs, pay raises, 2010 in the black, and the stock is at 52 week high.

Again, -900, WAY too much airplane for us. Their's no way we could fly that thing! I bet it even has autobreaks and authrottles. Oh my.

Can I PM you for gouge when we get "big" airplanes?

 

[ThisistheDream]

Now if we only had real competition with the insurance companies like we have with all the airlines we have today maybe we could afford to have coverage or even get sick and see a doctor!!

 

[slaquer5]

In its ruling, the DOT said the divestitures were necessary because, at both airports, it is likely that the proposed transaction would make the dominant airline even more dominant and more able to increase fares --- which are already high compared with other airports in the same area.

That is Why.

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

So the DOT is blocking the swap deal unless both cariers give slots and gates to WN? Why would WN willingly want to get airplanes stuck in two airports that routinely have 3-4 hour EDCT's?

They never said to WN, The article stated another Airline...They either go to the highest Bidder OR they get split amongst the Airlines the DOT wants to share them with, Doubt the proceeds will go to the

ANd, The same was said about Philly, They reevaluate the schedule many times and work around the Big Delays....LGA makes no sense to me either...
BUT in my previous life, I only remember 1 huge Delay in DCA (Once when THE CONTROLLERS were up againist the wall for the Curfew due to this huge line of storms that went through and they were launching EVERYTHING that was not stage three compliant before 11PM. Then they offered to let you pay $10000 fine (i remember a TWA crew said they had Authorization from their Chief Pilot but that was along time ago!)

KBB

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

Their's at least one -700. NxxxHK.

I think their is a N***CB and their may also be a 300 painted as "Classic One"...The -700 "CB" and HK" may be the only "Classic ONE"'s left.

I'm starting a "Bring back the CornDAWG" Campaign. (and Hot FA's with Hotpants... But that's a pipe dream!)
KBB

 

[Anonymous2]

I think jetblue is looking at dca too, aren't they?

 

[Tejas-Jet]

Their's at least one -700. NxxxHK.

Huh ??? Don't you mean...."There's at least one -700. N711HK"?

 

[Moon-dog]

So why doesn't SWA just get a bigger airplane? The B737-900ER could hold 215 passengers verse the -700 125 plus or minus a little. SWA could almost double capacity with the same slots at LGA now. If Gary really thought there was a demand you would think he would do something about it. Guess not.

I bet a SWA pilot couldn't fly a -900. The -900 is too much of a plane for a plane for a corn dog weenie.

Hey, Lovestohavethecock, I know a great deal of SWA pilots that have flown aircraft that carry way over 215. I am just a poolie and have flown many heavies, so to speak, and could out fly some mouthy turd, like you, on accident.

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

In its ruling, the DOT said the divestitures were necessary because, at both airports, it is likely that the proposed transaction would make the dominant airline even more dominant and more able to increase fares --- which are already high compared with other airports in the same area.

That is Why.

Oh so it's OK to use the government to compete?? Where was SWA when slots were first introduced?? F-ing around the Texas Triangle on the back of Herb's napkin and now you want the g-men to help you out? sorry.......

 

[Quimby]

So why doesn't SWA just get a bigger airplane? The B737-900ER could hold 215 passengers verse the -700 125 plus or minus a little. SWA could almost double capacity with the same slots at LGA now. If Gary really thought there was a demand you would think he would do something about it. Guess not.

I bet a SWA pilot couldn't fly a -900. The -900 is too much of a plane for a plane for a corn dog weenie.

You need to take lessons in flamebait from Tankerclown & Instructordude.

Weak attempt, at best.

 

[mt2]

Oh so it's OK to use the government to compete?? Where was SWA when slots were first introduced?? F-ing around the Texas Triangle on the back of Herb's napkin and now you want the g-men to help you out? sorry.......

Did you even READ the article ??

 

[waveflyer]

Right wing economics at it's best. Convenient for your cause, but not true on any level. Tell you what- read wealth of nations- then maybe why John Nash won the Nobel econ prize- heck- (<--do you like that mods? No creative swearing(!)) - just take an econ 101 class- but regulation is most certainly a requirement of any successful economic system lest monopolies take over and stifle the free hand-
"unregulated competition doesn't lead to fair competition, it leads to unfair competition" paraphrased: 'there must be sufficient regulation to keep organizations competing through efficiency and not through who holds the biggest stick'
those slots belong to their community-

It's pretty rich considering the wright amendment and southwest's history to criticize them on government issues- but there's one big difference. Southwest has always fought for the chance to compete- the bigger slower airlines always fight to use the govt so they won't have to compete.

 

[slaquer5]

'there must be sufficient regulation to keep organizations competing through efficiency and not through who holds the biggest stick'
those slots belong to their community-

It's pretty rich considering the wright amendment and southwest's history to criticize them on government issues- but there's one big difference. Southwest has always fought for the chance to compete- the bigger slower airlines always fight to use the govt so they won't have to compete.

Please stay off this board, this board is for the selfish me,me me, I am better than everyone else crowd. I do not think BL and others like him could care less about the public . Hell,ticket prices should be at least 1000 bucks a pop, why should the middle class have to fly anyway.

 

[Scope out RJ's]

In its ruling, the DOT said the divestitures were necessary because, at both airports, it is likely that the proposed transaction would make the dominant airline even more dominant and more able to increase fares --- which are already high compared with other airports in the same area.

That is Why.

Exactly. Heaven forbid you actually charge what a ticket is worth.
Good thing swa gets its money through its pft program, so morons like you can get hired.
Don't forget that every passenger that brings their trashbag, "it's on!":laugh:

 

[jonjuan]

Exactly. Heaven forbid you actually charge what a ticket is worth.

Sooooo, what exactly is a ticket worth? WN seems to do just fine in the fares they charge, the salaries they pay and profits they earn.
Is your airline not able to do so?

 

[Scope out RJ's]

Sooooo, what exactly is a ticket worth? WN seems to do just fine in the fares they charge, the salaries they pay and profits they earn.
Is your airline not able to do so?

I'm sure those $39 fares represent your worth....I mean you had to PFT to get hired on at swa.

 

[slaquer5]

Exactly. Heaven forbid you actually charge what a ticket is worth.
Good thing swa gets its money through its pft program, so morons like you can get hired.
Don't forget that every passenger that brings their trashbag, "it's on!":laugh:

Ya good thing J A . I never paid for it, so once again ( as always ) you are wrong. I just wish you would put some stock tips out so i could make some money on your being inept, and always wrong....

You sure act like your better than everyone else, Hilter would be proud of you. You are not only very bitter you have VERY LOW self esteem ... I do feel sorry for what ever happen in your life to make you like this, its sad.

 

[Scope out RJ's]

Ya good thing J A . I never paid for it, so once again ( as always ) you are wrong. I just wish you would put some stock tips out so i could make some money on your being inept, and always wrong....

And yet another PFT expert speaks..................

I'll give you a tip----------------->Paint that trailer you call home!:laugh:

 

[Cometman]

And yet another PFT expert speaks..................

I'll give you a tip----------------->Paint that trailer you call home!:laugh:

Why do you care that an individual PFT? If you are against paying for a type to get hired by SWA that is ok. However, it would not cost you anything to apply and if you get hired then you can decide whether it would be worth while. If you do not get hired then you lose nothing. So, you either applied and got turned down or you know that you could not get hired because you do not have what they are looking for or your background check would eliminate you.

No, I am not a pilot for SWA. If I could be a pilot for SWA I would.