Look for SWA to aquire AAI

[roughneck]

Look for Southwest to buy Air Tran now that the Midwest deal is dead. After all the time and effort, Air Tran was out bid by a quarter a share. Not much really.

Rumor has it SWA has approached Air Tran about a buyout, but wasn't interested in the Midwest assets. That is likely why AAI let Northwest "out bid" them by such a close margin. They are preparing to be bought by SWA.

This would be a positive for everyone. The AAI guys get our contract and a fence for their flying. SWA gets growth and gates in several major markets. SWA pilots get 1500 more pilots on the list.

 

[John Pennekamp]

Not!!!

 

[RIDETHELIGHTING]

Sounds good!! As long as we all keep our jobs it will be a great deal for FL.

 

[jws717]

Wow SWA in ATL? That would suck for Delta.

 

[CF34-3B1]

Wow SWA in ATL? That would suck for Delta.

it would suck for SWA pilots too

I thought I had eaten my last C concours Wendy's burger 2 years ago

 

[BigEasy]

Doubt it will happen but if it did, i made some good friends over there.

Lets just leave Coach and those on up out of the deal!

Bigeasy

 

[klr1395]

I assume integration (if you would call it that) would be much like what happened when SWA acquired Morris in 1993/94? Pay protect the AAI pilots but staple them to the seniority list? Lots of possibilities, but I think positives for those involved!

 

[bravodude]

AAI pilots have to re interview if you make it then you get put on a merged list. only way to go

 

[SWA/FO]

DOH.. you know what Homer says.

staple 'em...

 

[On Your Six]

Wow SWA in ATL? That would suck for Delta.

The opposite - it would suck for SWA in terms of efficiency. I guess their 20 minute turns would turn into 200 minute turns... DAL already competes with low-fare Air Tran and it does well because ATL is an international hub with feed going both ways. I would see ATL as a big downer for SWA because of the inefficiency and frequent delays. That said, SWA could absorb those additional 737-700s easily and SWA has stated that it is looking for growth opportunities. Plus, taking out Air Tran would remove another low-cost competitor from the mix (BWI and MCO overlap). You never know in this business......