Air Wisconsin, we hardly knew ye

[rptrain]

Press Release
Source: United Airlines

United Takes Additional Steps to Move Business Plan Forward
Wednesday November 10, 5:42 pm ET Company Works to Implement Non-Labor Cost Reductions by Seeking Competitive Bids for a Portion of its Current United Express Capacity

CHICAGO, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- United Airlines today announced that it has extended a request for proposal (RFP) to a number of regional airlines to provide up to 70 regional jets to the United Express network. These jets will be used to cover capacity currently operated by Air Wisconsin, one of United's six United Express partners. The RFP is not expected to increase the overall size of the fleet at United Express. Rather, United expects that under the terms of the bids it receives, the cost of the capacity currently operated by Air Wisconsin will likely be reduced. Additionally, the RFP will provide United with an opportunity to fine-tune the mix of smaller and larger regional jet aircraft in the United Express fleet.

"As we continue with our cost-control efforts, we must look at every area of the company and within every contract we have," said Sean Donohue, vice president-United Express and Ted. "Air Wisconsin is a long standing, valuable partner for United Airlines that performs well for us today, and we look forward to productive discussions with Air Wisconsin and other potential bidders. We must ensure we are paying market rates for our United Express service. By requesting competitive bids from a number of regional airlines, we are confident we will secure proper market rates for our United Express contracts while providing our customers with safe, reliable service throughout our United Express network."

United submitted the RFP to 10 regional airline companies including all of its existing partners. Initial proposals are due back to United by Dec. 10. Companies that received an RFP include: Air Wisconsin, Trans States, Chautauqua, Mesa, SkyWest, Independence Air, Horizon, Pinnacle, Mesaba and Express Jet.

"Every aspect of our business has got to be competitive. We will meet the goal of lowering our costs by an additional $2 billion, about one-third of which we expect to come from non-labor costs," said Peter D. McDonald, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

United Airlines (OTC Bulletin Board: UALAQ - News) is the world's second largest airline, operating more than 3,500 flights a day on United, United Express and Ted to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, United is the largest international carrier based in the United States (measured by revenue passenger miles***). United is also a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to more than 700 destinations in more than 130 countries worldwide. United's nearly 62,000 employees reside in every state in the United States and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at united.com. Revenue passenger miles for 12-months ending June 2004 as reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Worldwide Communications: Media Relations Office: 847.700.5538 Evenings/Weekends: 847.700.4088

Source: United Airlines

 

[LearLove]

When is this sh!t gonna end?


Now where did I put thoes law school applications?

 

[InclusiveScope]

When is this sh!t gonna end?

Maybe when ALPA gets it's sh!t together. Until then, this will continue.

 

[vasi]

The End for Air Wisconsin

Until ALPA begins to faithfully represent its regional members, this could happen to any regional airline. This time, United is playing one against the rest in an attempt to compensate for incompetent management. What's next?



The economy is doing fine; passenger load factors keep going up, and yet once again the management at United can't seem to manage to make money. So, they split up Air Wisconsin to the lowest bidder, and the race to the bottom continues.



This latest news is the beginning of the end for Air Wisconsin. Pilots, mechanics, and customer service personnel have given all they can reasonably give. Air Wisconsin abided by whatever United asks of them; open bases, close bases, and take wage concessions. But with no chance for the larger airplane United wants, Air Wisconsin can no longer compete with the lower cost airlines that provide only meager wages, no benefits, and horrible work rules.



The only hope is for ALPA to represent those members who fly for regional airlines; and that, I fear is no hope at all.



Goodbye Air Wisconsin; it's been nice knowing you.

 

[Mel Sharples]

No worries for Air Willie. They can take their jets and go fly as the 3rd Airlink for NWA. I hope nothing bad happens to those guys/gals but it makes me wonder if this whole sad affair wasn't planned. Lose 70 RJ's here, go fly 50 RJ's there...


[Emperor voice] "Everything is happening as I have foreseen it.... Heh-heh..."













.

 

[parrothead]

ALPA can suck it too. They've done nothing but screw this thing up for the last few years. It's time they quite drinking coffee with the big boys. We need new representation!! No more ALPA!


Why wasn't Shuttle America and Republic mentioned in the RFP.

 

[Caveman]

"Air Wisconsin, Trans States, Chautauqua, Mesa, SkyWest, Independence Air, Horizon, Pinnacle, Mesaba and Express Jet."

O.k, what's done is done and whatever concessionary contracts you have or whatever 'growth' you caved in for now is the time for EVERYONE to step up and say, enough is enough. If the management from any of these companies can convince UAL that they can do it cheaper, fine, BUT, under no circumstances should any of these pilot groups agree to concessions to get or keep this flying. This is the line in the sand, JUST SAY NO. The problem is if one of you caves in the rest are screwed. How about a little unity for once. JUST SAY NO.

 

[avrodriver]

Since the guy above made a prediction that AWAC is basically gone already, I'll go out on a limb and say AWAC pilots will not be taking any pay cuts......our company is making money and was publicly flaunting it ( ooops! ) even though they are a private comapany.....guess they thought they didn't have anything to worry about since they locked us into our current contract.

As far as making that comment to CHQ, MESA, and whoever........the contracts they have in place are the contracts that got them into the United family in the first place......there's no reason why they can't get this flying as well......there operating cost are obviously lower than ours. AD

 

[J32driver]

D A M N It!!!! I'm starting to feel like a United employee. This sucks.

 

[Rottweiller]

Why wasn't Shuttle America and Republic mentioned in the RFP.

Probably because UAL need someone who could fly jets from day 1. Republic can't even get their act together still for the E170 and as for Space shuttle......... well...........