Some things to consider
I have to raise the flag on what the Dir of Training said. You have to remember we have a contract extention under consideration. It is in the company's interest to make things look as bleak as possible. Their line of reasoning goes some thing like this; "Well guys, things are pretty bad right now, we may not have a lot of new hires next year, we're only going to add five planes, you should take anything you can get right now."
Here are some things to consider. The Department of Transportation expects airtravel to increase 14% in 2003. Jim Parker, our CEO, has said he expects Soutwest to return to near normal growth in 2003, which is historically around 8%. That equals 320 pilots, or 28 planes. Gary Kelley, our CFO, has stated we have orders for 14 planes next year, but with the opportunities existing on the market we may acquire more. Herb Kellerher, who needs no introduction, when given the standard question at the annual shareholder's meeting about growth into Hawaii, Canada, or Mexico, said there are too many luscious(sp) opportunities in the lower 48 right now. And let's not forget, we're making money right now. I see no difference in the loads now and the loads last summer. I know the yields are down, but the economy is turning around and we don't need to raise our yields much to make money hand over fist.
Hope this helps.
