F9Recruiter
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Anyone get a call from Frontier
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F9 Driver
Wear The Fox Hat
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2001
- Posts
- 515
June 10, 2006
Saturday Interview With Jeff Potter
Staking Claim to the Skies Over Denver
By JEFF BAILEY
Since being named chief executive of Frontier Airlines in April 2002, Jeff Potter, 46, has more than doubled sales, to $994.3 million for the year that ended March 31, and established the company, a low-cost carrier, as an alternative to United Airlines on many routes from Denver.
Frontier's Denver market share is now approaching 20 percent. And United, which emerged from bankruptcy in February, has agreed to give Frontier six gates at Denver International Airport, signaling a potential further shift in share. Still, in January, a bigger giant slayer arrived in Denver: Southwest Airlines.
Mr. Potter spoke about airline competition. Following are excerpts:
Q. Since Southwest started Denver flights, some have suggested that Frontier is going to become roadkill for the bigger low-cost airline.
A. I think there is a perception that Southwest is — not necessarily unbeatable — but they've never been in this market. I don't think people realized that Frontier positioned itself to compete against anybody in this market. We have the utmost respect for what they do. January through March was tough, but we're making progress. It's kind of reinvigorated us.
Q. What immediately happened to fares on routes on which you now compete against Southwest?
A. A drop of 25 percent in some of the markets. There's been a pricing impact.
Q. More recently?
A. We're raising fares along with everyone else. An advertised $59 fare doesn't mean that everyone on the airplane is paying $59.
Q. With United giving up some Denver gates, will you enter new markets or increase the number of flights to existing destinations?
A. A combination. Calgary just started. We have some markets we need to get some additional capacity in. Denver-Phoenix. Denver-Vegas. Florida.
Q. Even as a smaller post-bankruptcy airline, United dominates Denver with more than 50 percent market share. What's the biggest threat United poses to Frontier?
A. Irrational behavior. It's not only United. In this business, you're only as smart as your dumbest competitor. But over the last three to four months, we see some good signs. Loads are strong, but I think the fares are still trailing where they need to be.
Q. You're in contract negotiations with your pilots, who are paid more than comparable United pilots but less than those at Southwest. What are you asking for in terms of wages and work rules that are significant to Frontier's performance?
A. I can't say. We're right in the middle of it. We have a relationship with our pilots that is very strong. They see what's happening in this industry. They want to see Frontier around for a long time.
Q. Flight attendants at Frontier are not represented by a union. Can that continue?
A. Well, they've tried four times in six years. Five years? It's not passed yet. There's always rumbling.
Q. Your stock is at about $6, roughly half its 52-week high. What gives?
A. The perception issues, that is, Southwest. Once we get back to profitability, showing people what we're all about. This is a business where we have to make money. We'll get back in the black in the June quarter. You could extrapolate that if you make money in June, you should make money in September.
Q. Will Frontier be profitable for all of fiscal 2007, ending March 31?
A. Tell me what are oil prices going to be. The fundamentals of the airline are running well. Everything's working. We're starting to see some revenue improvements.
Q. You run a $1 billion company in a very difficult industry and yet you make $295,000 in salary, have little value in your stock holdings and might not get a bonus because Frontier has not been consistently profitable. Would you recommend bright young businesspeople go into the airline industry?
A. Trust me, I'm living the dream. You know what, I think it's a great business. I found my passion, so I'm pretty happy. Once you get into it, it's hard to get out, in the sense that's it's so challenging. If your passion is to get rich and make a lot of money, this isn't your direction. But I would also tell you that you have the wrong passion.
Q. What is the hardest part of your job?
A. Going through challenging times, keeping everyone motivated. What sets us apart is our service.
Saturday Interview With Jeff Potter
Staking Claim to the Skies Over Denver
By JEFF BAILEY
Since being named chief executive of Frontier Airlines in April 2002, Jeff Potter, 46, has more than doubled sales, to $994.3 million for the year that ended March 31, and established the company, a low-cost carrier, as an alternative to United Airlines on many routes from Denver.
Frontier's Denver market share is now approaching 20 percent. And United, which emerged from bankruptcy in February, has agreed to give Frontier six gates at Denver International Airport, signaling a potential further shift in share. Still, in January, a bigger giant slayer arrived in Denver: Southwest Airlines.
Mr. Potter spoke about airline competition. Following are excerpts:
Q. Since Southwest started Denver flights, some have suggested that Frontier is going to become roadkill for the bigger low-cost airline.
A. I think there is a perception that Southwest is — not necessarily unbeatable — but they've never been in this market. I don't think people realized that Frontier positioned itself to compete against anybody in this market. We have the utmost respect for what they do. January through March was tough, but we're making progress. It's kind of reinvigorated us.
Q. What immediately happened to fares on routes on which you now compete against Southwest?
A. A drop of 25 percent in some of the markets. There's been a pricing impact.
Q. More recently?
A. We're raising fares along with everyone else. An advertised $59 fare doesn't mean that everyone on the airplane is paying $59.
Q. With United giving up some Denver gates, will you enter new markets or increase the number of flights to existing destinations?
A. A combination. Calgary just started. We have some markets we need to get some additional capacity in. Denver-Phoenix. Denver-Vegas. Florida.
Q. Even as a smaller post-bankruptcy airline, United dominates Denver with more than 50 percent market share. What's the biggest threat United poses to Frontier?
A. Irrational behavior. It's not only United. In this business, you're only as smart as your dumbest competitor. But over the last three to four months, we see some good signs. Loads are strong, but I think the fares are still trailing where they need to be.
Q. You're in contract negotiations with your pilots, who are paid more than comparable United pilots but less than those at Southwest. What are you asking for in terms of wages and work rules that are significant to Frontier's performance?
A. I can't say. We're right in the middle of it. We have a relationship with our pilots that is very strong. They see what's happening in this industry. They want to see Frontier around for a long time.
Q. Flight attendants at Frontier are not represented by a union. Can that continue?
A. Well, they've tried four times in six years. Five years? It's not passed yet. There's always rumbling.
Q. Your stock is at about $6, roughly half its 52-week high. What gives?
A. The perception issues, that is, Southwest. Once we get back to profitability, showing people what we're all about. This is a business where we have to make money. We'll get back in the black in the June quarter. You could extrapolate that if you make money in June, you should make money in September.
Q. Will Frontier be profitable for all of fiscal 2007, ending March 31?
A. Tell me what are oil prices going to be. The fundamentals of the airline are running well. Everything's working. We're starting to see some revenue improvements.
Q. You run a $1 billion company in a very difficult industry and yet you make $295,000 in salary, have little value in your stock holdings and might not get a bonus because Frontier has not been consistently profitable. Would you recommend bright young businesspeople go into the airline industry?
A. Trust me, I'm living the dream. You know what, I think it's a great business. I found my passion, so I'm pretty happy. Once you get into it, it's hard to get out, in the sense that's it's so challenging. If your passion is to get rich and make a lot of money, this isn't your direction. But I would also tell you that you have the wrong passion.
Q. What is the hardest part of your job?
A. Going through challenging times, keeping everyone motivated. What sets us apart is our service.
Shrek
Well-known member
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- Posts
- 1,640
F9Recruiter
Active member
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- Sep 24, 2005
- Posts
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AirbusDan
Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
- Posts
- 9
F9 Recruiter, do you know if the October class been filled yet? It's been kind of quiet around here lately, no posts since June 28th. By the way, appreciate all the help. I've have had great flights so far, great crews, great overnights. In many cases (on overnights), we've done activities (meals, touring) AS A CREW, which is way more fun than touring the town by yourself.
climb2slow
F9 busboy
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2004
- Posts
- 240
October class...
I know that you were asking F9recruiter...but he's kinda busy right now...
anyhow, I understand that there will be two classes in October, the 9th and the 27th...the 9th is full and the 27th class has yet to fill up...the last round of interviews yielded 4 prospects...so expect interviews to come in september for the second october class and the november class. Just passin on the info! later
cs
I know that you were asking F9recruiter...but he's kinda busy right now...
anyhow, I understand that there will be two classes in October, the 9th and the 27th...the 9th is full and the 27th class has yet to fill up...the last round of interviews yielded 4 prospects...so expect interviews to come in september for the second october class and the november class. Just passin on the info! latercs
DieselDash
Active member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2006
- Posts
- 44
Big Duke Six
Not-too-Junior
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2003
- Posts
- 544
Highering happens in waves at F9. There's a lull now, so expect a surge around Chirstmas. That's my predication, and so far I've been on target (wheather good or lucky).
more predications:
You'll see little change in the pilot culture and will continue to be positive regarding our new feeder airline.
Contract negociations won't wrap up for about two more years with little changed.
Hiring balloon in mid to late 2007 as a result of the increased revenue and strategic expansion of F9 (locally, domestically and internationally).
more predications:
You'll see little change in the pilot culture and will continue to be positive regarding our new feeder airline.
Contract negociations won't wrap up for about two more years with little changed.
Hiring balloon in mid to late 2007 as a result of the increased revenue and strategic expansion of F9 (locally, domestically and internationally).
F9Recruiter
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2005
- Posts
- 30
It's been a while since I posted and sorry for not being able to give updates. The class schedule has been ammended. The next class will begin October 24 followed by a December 4 class. The numbers haven't changed. We are still looking to add 56 pilots between now and May '07. We will begin interviewing again in October for classes in January. Expect two interview sessions per month beginning again in October.
I want to wish all of you the best in your pursuit of a position at Frontier. It is a great company with the best pilot group in the industry (maybe I'm a bit biased, but I believe that with all my heart.) This will be my last posting for Frontier as I have accepted the Human Resource Director position with Lynx Aviation.
There have been questions regarding the posting for positions for Lynx and the Q400's. I need to put a system in place for collecting applications and will be working with the new DO and Chief Pilot to determine minimums, interview process, etc. I imagine everything will be in place in October and I'll be posting under a new user name once things are determined.
Again, best wishes to all Frontier candidates. To the pilot group at Frontier, I will miss working with you. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the bast and am thankful for all of your collaboration in the hiring process.
Gary
F9 Driver
Wear The Fox Hat
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2001
- Posts
- 515
Gary,
We'll miss you! You've done a great job. Thank you.
Crashpad,
I've a little information so let me give my .02 about these predictions.
"You'll see little change in the pilot culture and will continue to be positive regarding our new feeder airline."
The pilot culture is a reflection of the management culture which has taken a huge turn for the worse. This attempt by management to circumvent our CBA won't be forgotten anytime soon, and the battle is just beginning. This isn't about "our new feeder airline." It is about the ability to whipsaw our pilot group with a non-union operation controlled by the same company who controlls us.
Even if our current management was all hearts and flowers, tomorrow we could be bought by J.O. of Mesa fame, and all J.P.'s promices of intent wouldn't mean a thing.
"Contract negociations won't wrap up for about two more years with little changed. "
We are close now with just a couple of things remaining - like scope. If we are still at it in two years there WILL be a mediator in the room, and it won't be friendly.
We'll miss you! You've done a great job. Thank you.
Crashpad,
I've a little information so let me give my .02 about these predictions.
"You'll see little change in the pilot culture and will continue to be positive regarding our new feeder airline."
The pilot culture is a reflection of the management culture which has taken a huge turn for the worse. This attempt by management to circumvent our CBA won't be forgotten anytime soon, and the battle is just beginning. This isn't about "our new feeder airline." It is about the ability to whipsaw our pilot group with a non-union operation controlled by the same company who controlls us.
Even if our current management was all hearts and flowers, tomorrow we could be bought by J.O. of Mesa fame, and all J.P.'s promices of intent wouldn't mean a thing.
"Contract negociations won't wrap up for about two more years with little changed. "
We are close now with just a couple of things remaining - like scope. If we are still at it in two years there WILL be a mediator in the room, and it won't be friendly.
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