-200 Info
To add to Snoopy's comments.
I flew with the guy who is in charge of the -200 program drawdown & here is what is happening with it.
1. 6 more to retire as planned at the end of the '03. Actual retirement dates are based upon when "D" checks are due on the aircraft. This is a very expensive mx check so SWA retires them just prior to the inspection. All occur in late '03.
2. 16 new -700s to arrive throughout the year. Net gain of 10 aircraft reported here before.
3. New news. The common statement made by many, "the -200s are paid for & are money makers" is being more thoroughly looked at. ALL associated costs are being looked at & it is already apparent the associated costs after further study is higher than many folks have released. It was simply a matter of looking at all variables, i.e. unscheduled mx costs, extended stays for regularly scheduled mx beyond the scheduled return dates was not being considered a delay by mx when it did in fact have a cost associated with it, retraining costs for keeping -200 folks current, etc. All of these were unaccounted for costs that hadn't been figured into to the mix. So the assumption is being challenged & once the bottom line is realized (it will take awhile for longterm data to be collected & analysized) a better assessment of how long the -200s SHOULD stay around will be made. Right now the last one goes in '05.
4. The assumption all -200s will end up in DAL is false. It maybe better to keep the remaining ones (when more have departed) in HOU.
5. Lots of meetings going on in HHQ right now. Speculation is that if UAL goes under or makes major cutbacks, hold on to your shorts....SWA will move & move quickly. Even though times are tough, proven routes in which we compete with UAL on will be subject to highly competitive moves. No details & while this isn't earth shattering since SWA has a history of this it is nice to know we aren't sitting still. The other nice factor to give this credence is we have all the elements in place to make it happen, i.e. training staff, ready pool of pilots (a big yell from the crowd is expected about now!), aircraft deliveries that can be sped up easily by Mr. Boeing.
6. Buying used aircraft will only likely happen if they are '700s most likely according to my sources but who knows.
Sorry I won't be at the party tomorrow night, I'll be flying. I will see the entire class at the training center on 24 Jan though, should be fun. Take care & drive safely!!!
To add to Snoopy's comments.
I flew with the guy who is in charge of the -200 program drawdown & here is what is happening with it.
1. 6 more to retire as planned at the end of the '03. Actual retirement dates are based upon when "D" checks are due on the aircraft. This is a very expensive mx check so SWA retires them just prior to the inspection. All occur in late '03.
2. 16 new -700s to arrive throughout the year. Net gain of 10 aircraft reported here before.
3. New news. The common statement made by many, "the -200s are paid for & are money makers" is being more thoroughly looked at. ALL associated costs are being looked at & it is already apparent the associated costs after further study is higher than many folks have released. It was simply a matter of looking at all variables, i.e. unscheduled mx costs, extended stays for regularly scheduled mx beyond the scheduled return dates was not being considered a delay by mx when it did in fact have a cost associated with it, retraining costs for keeping -200 folks current, etc. All of these were unaccounted for costs that hadn't been figured into to the mix. So the assumption is being challenged & once the bottom line is realized (it will take awhile for longterm data to be collected & analysized) a better assessment of how long the -200s SHOULD stay around will be made. Right now the last one goes in '05.
4. The assumption all -200s will end up in DAL is false. It maybe better to keep the remaining ones (when more have departed) in HOU.
5. Lots of meetings going on in HHQ right now. Speculation is that if UAL goes under or makes major cutbacks, hold on to your shorts....SWA will move & move quickly. Even though times are tough, proven routes in which we compete with UAL on will be subject to highly competitive moves. No details & while this isn't earth shattering since SWA has a history of this it is nice to know we aren't sitting still. The other nice factor to give this credence is we have all the elements in place to make it happen, i.e. training staff, ready pool of pilots (a big yell from the crowd is expected about now!), aircraft deliveries that can be sped up easily by Mr. Boeing.
6. Buying used aircraft will only likely happen if they are '700s most likely according to my sources but who knows.
Sorry I won't be at the party tomorrow night, I'll be flying. I will see the entire class at the training center on 24 Jan though, should be fun. Take care & drive safely!!!
