Not really. SWA got all the Boeing 737 slots AAI had. Boeing is HAPPY to convert -700 orders to -800s. Additionally, I'm sure Boeing will also be happy to make a deal to take the 717s off your Hans if it means additional 737 orders.
The ONLY issue would be the requalification time frame for the AAI 717 pilots and there are plenty of sim outfits that would sell you the sim time to do it...even AS sells sim time on occasion.
I agree. The 717s will be gone sooner than later. Every AAI pilot who can needs to bid over to the SWA side of the house NOW!
Hate to admit that I'm agreeing with Fubijaakr with anything, even a little!
My feeling is that the 717s will go away as scheduled (2017-24, as per leases), or sooner, if Gary can find a way, working with Boeing or others. So, as Fubi says, ultimately sooner rather than later. However, whether or not Airtran guys should "bid over to SWA side of the house NOW" probably isn't affected by this. If SWA can replace the 717s early, then Airtran guys will just come over to the 737 on SWA side at an accelerated rate, continuing to come over in the bid order of guys who wanted to come first, and finally getting to the guys who wanted to stay on the 717 as long as possible.
My opinion is that Airtran guys should bid what they feel best for them, based on all personal factors (liking the 717, wanting to still be a CA, wanting to be based in ATL or the other, soon-to-be-announced 717 base, quality of life, etc.) and not worry about the timing of 717 departures. You'll be flying a SWA-painted plane of one sort or the other, and a 737 eventually. The important thing to take away is that the 717s will be replaced, not eliminated, regardless of the timeframe.
I'd also like to think that my Airtran brothers would have more fun on the SWA side of the house, but that's for individual pilots to say for themselves. Do what you need to do, and we'll see you here eventually. Good luck!
Bubba
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