Bob Jordan not happy

['LUVIN LIFE]

Thank you for calling the AirTran Airways Employee Newsline. This is Bob Jordan, AirTran Airways President, on Monday, August 22.

For those of you that normally listen to Gary’s Newsline as well, he is in Atlanta today participating in the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s “Insights on Leadership” series. I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but I think Gary might have a bit of news to share later today. I know he’s going to record a special Newsline this afternoon, probably sometime after 2 p.m. Central Daylight Time, with an update, so I encourage you to call back and listen for updates then. And I’m going to keep my Newsline short today, knowing that Gary will have some good updates for you a little later on.

Today, I want to focus primarily on the news last Thursday that the AirTran ALPA Master Executive Council (MEC), which represents our Pilots, voted to reject the Seniority List Integration Agreement. I’m very disappointed in the vote, especially since that means that neither the Southwest, nor the AirTran Pilots, will have the ability to vote and therefore have a say in the process. I do want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone that worked tirelessly to reach a proposed Agreement; especially the negotiating committees for both SWAPA and ALPA. The process was a difficult one, but one that led to a proposed Agreement that included Seniority List Integration and a generous economic offer from Southwest that facilitated the Seniority List Integration. And while some did not like it, it provided benefits for everybody which was the goal from the outset. Having failed to reach a negotiated Integrated Seniority List, the Process Agreement provides for Mediation as the next step and ultimately if needed, Binding Arbitration. The Agreement also provides that the Company will not participate in the Mediation process unless requested by either Merger Committee. And based on the economic realities we’re facing, it is Southwest’s current intent not to participate in any Mediation session until it has had time to reevaluate our current plans in light of economic realities.

As y’all know this is an extraordinarily tough business, one whose fortune’s can change very quickly. If you remember just last fall it appeared the economic recovery was taking hold and fuel prices were settling in at high but stable levels and just contrast that to today, I know you’ve all seen the just absolute parade of weak economic news the past 60 days. Fuel prices are up 40 percent, 4-0, compared to last year. And just earlier this month, Southwest reported consolidated second quarter results that included earnings down almost 50 percent compared to a year ago.

 

[Bill Nelson]

Ouch.

 

[Lonestar]

There's that sound again... I can barely make it out ('cuz it's coming all the way from Atlanta), but it sounds like...yep, it is... OH FUUUUUUU(K!!!!

First, the MEC kills the AIP and has all of you convinced that they can come back to the well and sweeten it. Then GK confirms that there won't be any more trips back to the well. Now THIS?!! Yikes! Tough week for Trannies.

 

[Pilot Knob]

yawn...

 

[Falcon Jet 1]

anyone want to wager there will be no SOC, but turning in Airtran's when the last airplane leaves for the paint shop--of course paid for by Guadeloupe, LLC

 

[zippy32]

Atlanta business leaders were given the opportunity to chat with Gary at today’s Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. The Insights on Leadership Luncheon, which was attended by over 400 business, civic, and community leaders of Atlanta, aims to spotlight national leaders and give them the chance to share tips regarding their success in business.

During the program, Gary surprised the audience with the exciting announcement that we will begin service to Atlanta (ATL) with an initial schedule of 15 daily nonstop departures to five destinations: Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, Houston Hobby, and Austin, Texas! With initial fares for nonstop travel as low as $79 one-way, the first Southwest flights to and from Georgia will be an exciting milestone as Southwest fills a hole in our robust route map. Here’s what the schedule looks like:

Bebinning Feb. 12, 2012 (open for sale today on southwest.com)

• $99 each way between ATL and AUS - two daily nonstop roundtrips
• $79 each way between ATL and BWI - four daily nonstop roundtrips
• $99 each way between ATL and DEN - two daily nonstop roundtrips
• $99 each way between ATL and HOU - three daily nonstop roundtrips
• $79 each way between ATL and MDW - four daily nonstop roundtrips

The big news was met with applause around the room. After the excitement of the new service was announced, the crowd listened intently as Gary discussed the recent acquisition of AirTran Airways and gave an update on the business. He also spoke very candidly about his career in aviation and even shared of a few of his secrets of success.

Attendees were thrilled to meet Gary and the Team of Southwest Employees who traveled from Dallas to attend the luncheon. These trailblazers of the community conveyed their enthusiasm about Southwest beginning service in Atlanta as well as their eagerness to establish a relationship with our Company.

Gary expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with AirTran and assured the crowd that Southwest would work hard introducing ourselves to Atlanta and help support the city’s rich diversity of exceptional nonprofits and organizations. He also asked that Atlantans take the time to get to know Southwest and learn more about our Company’s Fun-LUVing, unique culture.

To view a video from the event, check SWALife later this afternoon.

 

[Luv2BFlyin]

Here's the rest of Mr. Jordan's newsline for those that are interested. Notice, the integration continues, the mention of the golden rule (I wonder who that is directed at???) and there is even going to be a party at Stone Mountain, that sure will be fun!!!

Those realities are affecting our business and our integration plans, and they just can’t be ignored. That said, we cannot let this setback destroy the positive momentum that we have all gained throughout the integration process. Or, cause us to lose our optimism for the future. I also want to remind you that we are all entitled to our own viewpoints, and even though we might disagree on certain topics at times, we must always be professional and respectful and practice the Golden Rule, which is to treat each other as you would wish to be treated. So let’s all keep our heads up, let’s focus our attention on moving forward with the best of intentions and attitudes, because I still believe we have a lot to look forward to.
And back to Company and integration news, I do want to mention some brand new service on AirTran that we announced last week, which will be a new nonstop roundtrip between Baltimore/Washington and Aruba with Saturday and Sunday service. The new service officially opened up for sale last Wednesday, with service to begin on December 17 of this year. We’re launching this service with a special fare of $159 one-way. The new nonstop flight will add to the breadth of service we currently operate out of Baltimore, where we already fly to Bermuda, Montego Bay, Cancun, Nassau, and San Juan.
And in case you haven’t heard, we’re going to celebrate with a big party for Southwest and AirTran Employees at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia on October 5. As you all know by now, celebrating and spending time together is a big part of the Southwest Culture. Each year, we throw several Spirit Parties around our system, and this celebration will give you a taste of what those are all about. More details can be found on SWALife under the LUV Culture tab, and I hope that you will all make plans to attend—and I look forward to seeing you there.
Finally, this week’s Own It Moment, it goes to Newport News Customer Service Agent Tiffany Watson. I received a note from a Customer who traveled with us recently from New York to Orlando, connecting in Newport News. The flight was running late, and the Customer was scheduled to catch a shuttle in Orlando, and it was going to be a very tight connection. Tiffany picked up on the Customer’s anxiety and offered her a seat in the first row, allowing her to deplane quickly and just in time to catch the shuttle, with three minutes to spare. The Customer wanted us to let Tiffany know what a magnificent Employee she is, and I’ve absolutely got to agree. So, Way to Own It, Tiffany!
And that is it for this week’s Newsline. I appreciate you listening. I appreciate all that you’re doing each and every day. I appreciate the hard work all summer. And I would invite you to dial in later today to listen to Gary’s Newsline this afternoon. Thank you and have a great day and a great week!

 

[Sy-bill]

And it has been announced that SWA will have have 15 daily non-stops to five SWA destinations starting in February.

On another note, some are saying that outsiders are calling the SWA pilots greedy for looking for a gain with this integration. As one of those outsiders, I can't see how Fair and Equitable can be attained when one side gets a 2 million dollar gain in career earnings while the other gets nothing. Two million- Zero is not equal in any book or any method of spin. If I went into business with someone and they got 2 million bucks and I got nothing that obviously would not be Fair nor Equitable. It really is that simple.

 

[Empennage]

yawn...

Enjoy your nap. You might want to set an alarm.

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

Sy-bill.......Tell that to an AT F/O.....