Future plans for the 717 at the new SWA?

[StopNTSing]

I'm guessing that the lions share of them will still be mostly in and out of ATL simply because the majority of your gates appear to be too narrow for -700/-800s to park there.

I've heard a few folks talking about this recently. Can someone in the know at AirTran give me a positive ID on whether this is a real limitation of the ATL gates or not? Would suck if true.

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

We'll fly them until the wings fall off of them, then we'll fix them and keep flying them, If they are as cheap as people say (Lease wise), they are not going anywhere...You'll learn, everything around here revolves around money (how cheap it costs), and if there is an option that was available on the A/C that it could be flown without, Trust me, we don't have it. Frankly we don't care because most of us don't (didn't) know any different! We're getting paid and that's what is important...

Can you fly the 717 like a (737) -200?
KBB

 

[27 driver]

I've heard a few folks talking about this recently. Can someone in the know at AirTran give me a positive ID on whether this is a real limitation of the ATL gates or not? Would suck if true.

Yes it is true. There are many gates on the C concourse that are only suited for the 717 or smaller. I have heard that part of the deal that the Tranny worked out with the airport when they renewed their leases was to fix that issue so the 73 would fit all the gates. Not sure if there is any truth to the second part.

 

[scoreboardII]

I'm guessing that the lions share of them will still be mostly in and out of ATL simply because the majority of your gates appear to be too narrow for -700/-800s to park there.

You all obviously haven't seen the ally at LAX or the corner in OAK.

 

[carl p]

AirTran has several dozen smaller-market cities that are profitable with the 717, but won't fill the extra 20 seats on a -700 and so the 717 is more economical to use for those markets. They are also great for "shuttle" type service, so maybe they'll find some intra-Texas or intra-California service, if they can spread the 717 MX parts out west.

This is specifically what I am wondering, I've heard SWA peeps on other threads mention rumors on their side involving moving some out west. I'd love that being a west coast guy! The 717 would do a great job in Texas, Vegas, or Cali.

SWA guys, what are you hearing?

As for the ATL gates - I've been out awhile, but I thought the airport was going to make some changes to allow the 37 to fit most if not all? Someone can chime in with the correct info. Surely, GK would've researched this in advance.

Please keep all the other SLI B.S. on the other threads.

 

[Flying the Line]

This is specifically what I am wondering, I've heard SWA peeps on other threads mention rumors on their side involving moving some out west. I'd love that being a west coast guy! The 717 would do a great job in Texas, Vegas, or Cali.

SWA guys, what are you hearing?

As for the ATL gates - I've been out awhile, but I thought the airport was going to make some changes to allow the 37 to fit most if not all? Someone can chime in with the correct info. Surely, GK would've researched this in advance.

Please keep all the other SLI B.S. on the other threads.

My feeling is that you will definately not see them in California, IMO California will be next in line for the -800s after LGA, EWR, DCA, and Boston. California cities comprise 20 of the top 25 city pairs for passenger traffic. The other five are DAL-HOU, MCO-BWI, LAS-PHX, LAS-RNO, and LAS-MDW. California is definately not prime for smaller A/C, unless Fresno, Monterey, Palm Springs, or Bakersfield open up.

edit: my data came from Boyds SW-AT analysis on his website. http://www.aviationplanning.com/

It's right there under the Hot Flash.

 

[arjayeffo]

He is a class act, I have flown with him in the past and hoped we would fly again in the future. Hope all is well AT.

Well then can you PLEASE get him an interview so he can have that staple he so desperately wanted. Personally, I come to work to get *away* from the pointless bitching and moaning.

 

[Cruncher]

My friend Mr Beam says it right.

We'll keep the 717s until they are no longer worth while keeping around. I am almost positive we'll have red bellied 717s running the system. Actually, I would not be surprised it the company eventually bought them outright when their leases are up (if it's CHEAPER & it's possible). Also I would not be surprised if we don't start buying up all those sitting in VCV. I don't think our future is one without the 71, at least not for the next decade. We have some pretty old 73s running around.

I have heard from more than one maintenance guy that the 717 maintenance cost is more than the 73, apparently you need a lift to add oil. Not sure if that could skew their future.

I think GK may keep them around as an internal feed. I hope we negotiate the same rate as the 737. Our SL6 lacks this, ... too bad really.

For the guy asking about rumors where they may eventually end up, I haven't heard anything. My guess, they will stay in ATL until we can fill gates with 737s, then they will flow throughout the system, with concentrations on routes that run a little light. Maybe intra-Texas, ... Dunno, all speculation really.

Welcome aboard Trannies. We'll be far international soon. Willy's on, gotta go.

 

[Daddy]

I'm thinking inter-island flying

 

[Cruncher]

maybe. Another bad, our contract allows inter-island codeshare. But one can hope ...

 

[AnimalTale]

Well then can you PLEASE get him an interview so he can have that staple he so desperately wanted. Personally, I come to work to get *away* from the pointless bitching and moaning.

That is actually, pretty funny! lol.

CYA

 

[Dude]

I don't care what they do with those things as long as they make money and the pilots make good money flying them. Hopefully they'll be the same rate as the 737.

An airplane is an airplane.......the money and schedule is the only thing that matters.

 

[carl p]

I don't care what they do with those things as long as they make money and the pilots make good money flying them. Hopefully they'll be the same rate as the 737.

An airplane is an airplane.......the money and schedule is the only thing that matters.

Amen! Dropping some of them out west would sure be nice... As long as they make money for the mother ship all is good.

 

[humveedriver]

I suspect there is some long range planning that hasn't been diclosed yet. As far as ATL gates are concerned, I'm sure the airport planners are looking at maximizing revenue to pay for and sustain the new 1.4 BILLION dollar international terminal being built. That will change the footprint of E concourse for sure. I could easily see a combined SWA/AT operation out of E, and give C back to Delta and have all the cat and dog airlines park at D. Probably some variation of this anyway. I don't see SWA/AT being hemmed in to half of C and D. The future of the 717 is anyone's guess. The combined airline may keep it flying longer a lil longer if it makes financial sense (mx contracts and lease agreements not stage length), otherwise 700/800 appears to be the future. Just my thoughts but I see SWA getting some serious market share in east coast cities which is centric to AT's route structure.

 

[FIREMAN]

The new international terminal is not replacing E. It is more for Atlanta international paxs to check in and check bags without having to got thought the old terminal. It will have gates but not enough to replace E.

 

[luv2fly]

I'd imagine ATL will retro fit or whatever they need to get the gates to fit 737s. They would be losing a large amount of money in fees by not allowing the heavier 737 into those gates.

The 717 is cheaper to fly on a per departure basis than a 737, the cost crossover point is around 1100 miles. So I would imagine you will see, after some fence, the 717s moved strategically around our system to take advantage of the lower cost per departure and the seat count.

In regards to SLI, I don't think any one thing: seat, relative sen, DOH, career expectations, career earning, final career seniority...etc. will be the only thing used. It will be a mix of all of these. Which seat you are in the day the deal is done will probably be the same seat you are currently sitting in today, but after the fence agreements expire, the "global" seniority list takes over and you sit in the seat at which your seniority can hold. imo

I also believe a "windfall" in regards to monthly pay, qol, schedule, career earnings, retirements, benefits, flexibility... goes along way to convincing an arbitrator that which side of the aircraft you sit on is irrelevant. Except to massage some peoples egos.

 

[Clyde Frog]

I was on the 717 for about 7 years and the 737 for about 2 years and I can tell you the 73 is WAY more reliable and WAY more automated.

 

[F9 Driver]

Dont worry, just because we screwed the pooch, doesnt mean the deal between Air Tran and SWA will be bad.

We, plain and simple, screwed up (water under the bridge). But since you bring it up: Look what we are contending with now, oh wait, Ill say it before you do, "at least we have jobs". Thats all it is, its a "job", it could have been a career. Nice job.

CYA

Stick to taking pretty pictures. You have no idea what you're talking about (like the vast majority of FI posters). There was no deal to screw up.

 

[Frequency]

I was on the 717 for about 7 years and the 737 for about 2 years and I can tell you the 73 is WAY more reliable and WAY more automated.

Really, you think so? I have flown both and disagree with you. Was that sarcasm? I didnt even have to tune my own ILS's when I was on the B717, now thats what I call automation!!

 

[AnimalTale]

Stick to taking pretty pictures. You have no idea what you're talking about (like the vast majority of FI posters). There was no deal to screw up.

You are funny.

Republic is a very lucrative company, stable and a place we can hang our hats. Congratulations. We sure showed SWA how tough we are. lol


CYA