Alaska Airlines - Boeing or Airbus?

[Heavy Set]

Just wondering about Alaska and its fleet-renewal selection. Anyone have any guesses about which way they will go? I would think Boeing given their history with Boeing - but Airbus appears to be very aggressive with pricing (i.e., EasyJet deal in the UK). Plus, Airbus has a full product mix with fleet commonality - A318 could replace the 737-200s (although I am not sure about a "combi" version of the A318 or A319) and the A320/321 could provide the same seats as the 737-700/900.

Any predictions? Any word on the street?


Personally, I'd love to fly the side-stick - looks like fun.

 

[Midnight Mike]

The smart money would be for Alaska air to go to an all 737 fleet. It makes everything so much easier, one type of equipment, one type rating. Once those MD80's are gone, Alaska would only have the 737's to worry about. However
Airbus would love to have an Airbus fleet in Boeing's backyard. Welcome to the modern age, companies tend to negotiate better through the media than in the boardroom...

Aren't there some airports in Alaska that only the 737 can fly to? Excuse the question of a ground pounder....


Mike

 

[jergar999]

I have a friend who works for Alaska, and he was told to expect an all 737 fleet. They wanted to do it sooner, but acquisition costs were so low for the MD's that it made sense at the time. He was told he would start seeing them phase out and be replaced by various series 737's, similar to the way SWA does things. This is all second hand, even then second hand from the rumor mill, so take it with a grain of salt, but that's what I have heard.

 

[mach none]

There is a Board meeting on 2/14. That is when management/Board is suppose to make the Airbus decision.

 

[FL510GV]

Bet On Boeing

I can't imagine Alaska's public relations nightmare in SEA if they choose the Bus. There is no way they will alienate people in that city...


Here's a quote from Boeing's Frontiers Mag Feb '03

"I would just like to advise you that I have just converted to the B777 as captain with Emirates Airlines in the UAE. Having spent six years on fly-by-wire Airbus, including the A330, A320 and A321, I would just like to say I would never fly an Airbus again by choice. I am very impressed with the 777. It is a real pleasure to fly, and I look forward to a long career on the 777. I plan to make the pilgrimage to Boeing Seattle, WA, sometime this year to visit your factory. I look forward to seeing you." Capt. Rick Manley, Emirates Airlines, UAE

 

[Alaskaairlines]

I don't think it would be possible ro equip a Airbus like a B732 combi? They are just so different. Any comments on this?

 

[AK737FO]

FAA = the root of all evil...

Long story short... the FAA is against combi operations. Specifically "quick change" combi's.
Our fleet of nine B737-200's can be quick changed into any seat / pallet configuration we want. We usually operate in 2 or 3 pallet by day and all pallet for freighters at night. The FAA has "grandfathered" our fleet and allows us to go about our business.
Boeing has built a B737-700 with a cargo door in it for the Navy. The FAA will not let us have it in quick change - they will only allow it in a "fixed" pallet setting. 45 million is a lot to spend on a new airplane that can't be configured to fit our needs on a daily basis.
So, in a round about way, the always friendly FAA, you know the guys that are looking out for safety - are actually requiring that Alaska fly a 20 plus year old jet rather that a new one - in the name of safety... since combi ops are, in the pea sized brain of the FAA, somehow dangerous.
Boeing or Airbus? Don't have a clue. The company is serious about it though. Could be just trying to put leverage on Boeing for better lease rates - could be a Airbus fleet in Boeing's back yard if they don't pay attention... Airbus is offering a sweet deal. Free planes for several years, take over expensive leases on old MD's and 400's, free training... our management would be foolish to not consider it.