More Jets

[cactuspilot]

A Chief pilot told me "17 or 18 more jets this year". I hope that means more classes. That's all I know. This Airline is all it's cracked up to be X 10! Guess I need to change my user name...

 

[CoopDog]

You had me at hello.....

OK, I read it 3 times to make sure I didn't miss something. I have to admit, I would LUV to see it more than anybody, but from the schedule posted below, there are no options existing for the remainder of '03. Are you sure the C/P meant '03? Must be some real "wheel'n and deal'n" goin on behind the scenes.

I hope your C/P is right!


From the 10/17/02 Press Release

Southwest Airlines Co.
Boeing 737-700 Delivery Schedule

Prior Schedule | Current Schedule
Firm / Options*| Firm / Options*

2002..... 18/ -- | 23/ --
2003..... 14/ -- | 17/ --
2004..... 23/ 13 | 21/ 13
2005..... 24/ 20 | 24/ 18
2006..... 22/ 20 | 22/ 16
2007..... 25/ 29 | 25/ 29
2008..... 6 / 45 | 6 / 45
2009-12 -- 177 | -- 177
Total . 132/304| 138/298

 

[CoopDog]

Maybe they're just on schedule.

According to the following table in the link below, SWA has only taken two -700's as of 30 April '03. So that C/P number might make sense if he were commenting on the remainder of the airplanes coming this year. Looks like the majority are coming in the 4th quarter from other sources I've seen.

Like anybody, I'd LUV to see "another 17 or 18" airplanes this year (in addition to the ones on schedule), but I just have my doubts.

Here's the link: http://www.speednews.com/lists/Boeing2003.html

As always, ANY news, rumors, or just plane stuff about SWA is greatly appreciated. So keep it coming.

 

[madjack]

Had Recurrent EPT in PHX last week and two chief pilots addressed the class on various issues...on the subject of hiring they said that the company was watching the rate of return of military reserve pilots who were called up to serve in the Iraq war and would add/not add classes in '03 based on the rate of return to SWA of these pilots (which they said was greater than expected). For '04 they said the company had firm order/options for 34 aircraft and that the company had NEVER not taken all its optioned aircraft so if we start getting aircraft in JAN 04, look for classes in NOV 03 to meet the FO crew needs for new aircraft.

Other interesting comments from the two C/P's: Gary Kelly (SWA CFO) mentioned at the last C/P meeting in DAL that the company should be fully recovered from 9/11 in four years ('05) barring any more terrorist attacks on the industry. Yields have finally started increasing...in the past an increase in yield resulted in a direct decline in ticket sales in certain markets so the company could not increase ticket price and profitability...that apparently is changing.

One more item possibly interesting to this forum discussed by the C/P's at EPT class: the rumor is true that a "couple" new hires did not initially pass new hire IOE (they ultimatele made it through). The reason is attributed to the fact that a lot of the new hires this year have been sitting in a pool for many months and their piloting skills needed a little more work once they got out on the line for IOE.

Good Luck

madjack