To those AirTran pilots wishing to comment:
I'm seriously and respectfully asking for some pro/con points, concerns from AirTran pilots expressed unemotionally as to any possible merger/acquisitions of AirTran and SWA.
As a SWA CA I have my own perspective and about the topic and have discussed it with many other SWA pilots in lounges and on SWAPA forums. However, I would be very interested in what the thoughts are from the line flying AirTran pilots who may visit this forum.
Let me say I have the utmost respect for Citrus pilots, the product they deliver and their professionalism I've seen while commuting on them and while operating out of many of the same airports. A great group of pilots in my opinion.
I'm not privy to any inside SWA info nor trying to flamebait for entertainment purposes but rather interested in the line perspective on the various topics:
1. Integration expectations, what's tolerable and what is not.
2. Fences (if any around domiciles, dealing with the 717 differences and your recommendations if a merger was to go forward)
3. Timing of discussions, i.e. would you prefer to get a contract in hand or would you prefer to have a merger offer on the table and move in that direction
4. Existing codeshares and their impact
5. ALPA representation vs. SWAPA representation
6. Culture integration and how best to blend the best of both cultures
7. Business model integrations and how the two airlines differ and how to deal with those differences if a merger was to go forward
8. Whether you would support in general terms a merger of these two airlines.
I know there are a lot of emotions that are expressed on FI and expect some to spill over even with the request to keep it professional but honestly not having many contacts with AirTran pilots other than commuters, I would be interested in your perspectives.
Thanks for commenting in advance.
I saw this last night but didn't have time to respond until now. Your first mistake was asking for serious polite responses on FI. LOL! I do see a few though.
I've flown with enough people around here to have a good sense about where this would go. Most think that it will never happen because of past mergers and the problems associated, but someone said never say never. I don't think there is an FO on property here that wouldn't like to see this thing happen. Even a lot of Captains have said they wouldn't mind it either, but the devil is always in the details. My two cents
1. Fair integration. I know 1 for 1 won't happen but something fair.
2. Fences, in this case , at least until they ship back the 717's
3. Everyone here is focused on getting a fair contract. We want it NOW!
4. Code-shares?
5. You have to ask yourself, why is ALPA at AT in the first place? You guys treat your employees well, SWAPA should be fine.
6. Culture integration. WOW... On the line, I'm sure that SWA has the same % of Richards there that we have here, so that won't be an issue. It would be nice to work somewhere where there is a mutual respect between employees and mgt.
7. Hmm...business models. Well....I don't see you guys going with bus. class or assigned seating so that would be gone. The international stuff would be good for both. The "Stepping over dollars to pick up dimes" routine is an art here, I don't see you keeping that. Of course you would have to paint one of your planes with "Little Debbie" (that looks so cool...almost as cool as Elton John...but not quite). And more importantly CUSTOMER SERVICE....please....don't get me started.
8. I would support it because your business model works, you are fairly compensated and the schedules are very efficient and flexible. The company has a history of success and they treat their employees well and they, in turn, take care of your customers.
Of course, all this is just fodder, not many think it will happen ( including myself). The integration of pilots and our business model differences are huge obstacles. That's my 2 cents.
Flame away haters!
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