AirTran projects third-quarter loss

[meanstreak]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story.asp?source=blq/yhoo&siteid=yhoo&dist=yhoo&guid=%7BA2CC4B3D%2D514B%2D4624%2D92BC%2D96EAEEE0ACAF%7D

 

[Ty Webb]

Historically, we have made most of our money in the 2 and 4th quarters, and the third and first quarters are the lean ones. Throw in the two hurricanes and the loss of the all-important Labor Day weekend, and there you go.

The good news is that we have made money every quarter since the loss in the quarter following 9/11. To continuously be profitable every single quarter is a lot of pressure in this environment.

I would bet that since they've pre-announced that we aren't going to make money this quarter, they will use this opportunity to spend a little money here and there, and to write down some items, so that we can move forward to a profitable fourth quarter.

Hey, maybe I should put in for a transfer to Investor Relations!

 

[FDJ2]

High fuel costs and two hurricanes, one of which seemed to linger over the majority of Florida for the entire labor Day weekend would put a dent in any airlines bottom line, particularly a carrier like Airtran that is very exposed in Florida. 51% of Airtrans flight schedule was cancelled while Frances passed through Florida this weekend. That being said, I think we can all right this one off as more of a bump in the road then a fundamental shift.

 

[Mugs]

Good idea. Better long term career prospects!

 

[blzr]

When are they going to fly that cool lookin' Airbus parked by the hotel on the north ramp?

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Just goes to show you that not only can CEOs lose big money for an airline, but also a woman named Frances can cause us to lose 35-40 million bucks in three days!!!

 

[Mugs]

The "cooL" looking Airbus, if it is the one I am thinking of, will fly when:


Ryan gets the damage fixed that resulted from the engine cowl coming open recently during takeoff because of the latches not being secured by maintenance and not being caught by the crew on the subsequent walk around.

 

[StopNTSing]

Wouldn't surprise me if we post a loss as well. That was a serious one-two punch in FL.