Rumor has it that SWA

[Doug Parker]

is putting in a bid for USAir. Straight from the mouth of an AWA captain (must be true). Anyone else heard this?

 

[SWAPoolie]

Will Southwest spoil US Air/AmWest merger? USA TODAY

There are still numerous hurdles that must be cleared before the marriage between US Airways and America West becomes official. One of the more intriguing possibilities is whether Southwest will opt to try and become the fly in US Airways' ointment. Some think the USA's current discount giant (yes, that's Southwest) may submit a bid with US Airways' bankruptcy court in an attempt to buy at least part of the bankrupt airline. "We're not interested in acquiring another carrier," Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger tells the Beaver (Pa.) County Times. "We'll stick to our business model of slow growth." But, in Chicago, Southwest did make a bid for some of bankrupt ATA's assets when it appeared AirTran would acquire those assets and set up a hub in the Windy City. That move promised fierce competition for Southwest's large base at Midway Airport, but Southwest's counteroffer for ATA's Chicago assets effectively scuttled AirTran's planned expansion there. So, is something similar in store with US Airways? While Eichinger said Southwest isn't interested in buying US Airways outright, could the airline be interested in just part of US Airways? "It's no secret we're looking for more gates in Philadelphia," Eichinger says. We'll continue to grow as an airline, as our plans have been before and after this announcement," she adds. US Airways' hub in Philadelphia — one of the nation's largest markets — is all but certain to be a key part of the airline's merger plans. And should Southwest chip away at that hub in bankruptcy court, that could complicate the US Airways/America West merger plans. Posted 8:20 a.m

 

[Doug Parker]

Looks like it might get real interesting!!

Stay tuned for more "As the merger turns"

 

[G100driver]

What will SWA do with all those buses and -400's?

I will believe it when I see it.

 

[N1kawotg]

One possibility is gates. If the deal requires 60 planes leaving, then I would guess that gates would open up. They could bid on the gates in Clt or Phl just as they did at Mdw. Outbidding for Usair makes no sense. They need gates.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

What will SWA do with all those buses and -400's?

I will believe it when I see it.

SWA wouldn't bid on those. SWA doesn't want all of USAir and definately doesn't want any Arbi. Gates are on the list of what SWA wants.

If USAir is getting rid of 40-50 planes merger or no merger, shouldn't some of their gates already be on the chopping block?? The AWA/UAir merger could still happen as SWA (or someone else) bids for unwanted planes and gates.

 

[750driver]

What will SWA do with all those buses and -400's?
I will believe it when I see it.

G100, these folks have no interest in anything but gate space at PHL and elsewhere. As the above rep was quoted ...

""It's no secret we're looking for more gates in Philadelphia," Eichinger says. We'll continue to grow as an airline, as our plans have been before and after this announcement," she adds."

 

[737tanker]

Gary Kelly was quoted recently that if they became available SWA would be very interested in bidding on parts of USAir, but definitely was not interested in the whole airline.

 

[T45Flyer]

Just got back off a trip. Had a company person in the know on board. He said that SWA has aquired 8 more gates at PHL, that the company has not announced it yet. We will see, but sounds reasonable.

 

[USNFDX]

What will SWA do with all those buses and -400's?

I will believe it when I see it.

Hopefuly sell them (Buses) to Fedex.

 

[jtf]

SW could easily help the merger go though by giving up some cash for gates and then march forward as planned- slowly continuing to strangle them anyway on the east coast. Why bother to take on what they don't want to stop a merger that probably won't harm them anyway?

 

[mnboyev]

Why bother to take on what they don't want to stop a merger that probably won't harm them anyway


"probably wont harm them anyway" ..... Not sure bout that ... Putting these two together creates alot of efficiency. Reduced costs and a pretty darn good network.

Service, price, and employee integration might be the biggest hurdles to compete with SWA... but if US and HP play nice in the sandbox.. Look out everyone...

 

[kelbill]

"Putting these two together creates alot of efficiency. Reduced costs and a pretty darn good network."

I sure hope you don't get a random urinalysis anytime soon. The comment about the network is acceptable, but reduced costs, come on. AWA, whom I like as a Phoenix guy, is usually just below the radar screen as far as financial problems go. It already has low costs and is not exactly rolling in the money. USAIR still has fairly high costs and is in bankruptcy. Add in the expenses of the merger; lawyers, relocations, furloughs coming, aircraft retirements, closing the headquarters, etc; and you have a huge bill to pay for a few years. If you are USAIR, yes, your costs go down a little. If you are AWA, they go up. Now add in the seniority issues and good golly, watch out. I don't think you need to worry about them playing well together in the sandbox when they are both buried up to their necks already.

 

[tathagatha]

Mnboyev,


I predict the sandbox is going to be covered with about 1/2 inch
of glass. Better get some welding goggles...

ciao,
K

 

[BeCareful!]

AWA, whom I like as a Phoenix guy, is usually just below the radar screen as far as financial problems go. It already has low costs and is not exactly rolling in the money. USAIR still has fairly high costs and is in bankruptcy. /QUOTE]


OOooooo.....you're so tough in your little Boeing with your WalMart costs and bully CEO. If reduced capacity is what this industry needs, then why do you guys keep buying airplanes?


As for the AWA/US cash position, I think they have that all worked out to the tune of about $1.5 billion. That's why your management is running around blabing and posturing about how they aren't really worried about this combination.

Good luck, SWAPA, because the sun don't shine on any airline forever.

 

[SWAdude]

Good luck, SWAPA, because the sun don't shine on any airline forever.

But it has been shining bright for about 34 years.

I went to work here in 1994 and I have heard that same statement over and over again. I actually find the ones who say it are the ones that would take glee in our demise. Quite pathetic if you ask me. We all know we are vulnerable. We all know we work in an unstable industry. We all know we are fortunate to be where we are.......today.

I only feel sorry for you for you must be concerned about your own personal situation to try and instill fear in others.

 

[BeCareful!]

Swadude -

I don't wish for your demise, but when your pilots gleefully disrespect other carriers who have a different set of operating realities (like different fleet types for different missions), it becomes a bit distasteful.

On my wish list is that SWA would stop talking out of both sides of its huge (of late) mouth. If reduced capacity would help this industry (as your CEO keeps saying over and over and over), then why doesn't SWA stop buying airplanes? What he means, but won't say, is that reduced capacity will help SWA. Many of us look forward not to your demise, but to the day when your ability to grow is curtailed. I look forward to that day in regards to WalMart, as well.

Good day to you, Sir.

 

[kelbill]

"OOooooo.....you're so tough in your little Boeing with your WalMart costs and bully CEO. If reduced capacity is what this industry needs, then why do you guys keep buying airplanes?"

Huh? My little Boeing is still bigger than your RJ, not that it matters. And about those Walmart costs, they keep us in the black, and have done so for the about 30 years straight now. Additionally, Walmart costs don't mean Walmart salaries. Look at airlinepilotcentral.com and you will notice that we are #1 in 737 salary, NOT including options, fully funded 401k match, great health benefits, profit sharing (oh yeah, we got some last year, again), etc. We at SWA don't need to reduce capacity, as we are only going where prices are much too high and we can make $. For those out there losing money on every seat, it kinda makes sense to reduce capacity doesn't it? And how is our CEO a bully? Because we bid on ATA assets, or might want to bid on USAIR assets, or because we are working to get rid of the Wright Amendment?

As for the $1.5 billion cash position, you make it sound like USAIR/AWA earned that money due to their efficiencies, as opposed to it being invested in them by outsiders and/or failing to pay their bills while in bankruptcy. I have nothing against any of the employees, and wish them well. You, on the other hand, need to take an economics class after finishing anger management.

 

[BeCareful!]

Well, Kibbill, the RJ's many of us are currently flying these days aren't the largest aircraft on our resumes, and the 737 isn't exactly a heavy jet. But as you said, it doesn't matter. I just think your tough talk is offensive.

And, yeah, we all know how much money you make. Very proud of you.

""As for the $1.5 billion cash position, you make it sound like USAIR/AWA earned that money"""

Did I? Did I really imply that we earned it? I think you made that up.

""You, on the other hand, need to take an economics class after finishing anger management.""

Oh, how I love this place and how people assume so much about others based on Internet drivel.

Enjoy your day.

 

[kelbill]

Becareful, I am so bored, I'll keep this debate going. I can read your resume under the avatar, so I know you've flown bigger than the RJ. As you can read also, you can see I've flown bigger than the 737. Specifically, a heavy, as in 300,000lb+. Touche. I'm not bragging about my pay, I am responding to your snide comment about Walmart costs. I know it wasn't meant as a complement. And since you don't work for a major, don't we all share that Walmart analogy? By the way, aren't the Walton family members the riches siblings in the world? Additionally, what gives about that cash position you mentioned? Its actually just $1.5 billion more of debt, but in cash. You are the one who brought it up, hence my statement. And my comment about liking the AWA guys since I'm a Phoenix boy only got me grief. Huh? And what was my tough talk? Or do you mean the CEO's tough talk. You sound like some furloughed ex-major pilot who hates SWA and hopes for our downfall. Go right ahead. I'll sleep fine tonight regardless.