Southwest Airlines to Acquire AirTran; Spreading Low Fares Farther 6:55 am - PR Newsw

[Lear70]

The latest list (July 31) shows 1678 on the list and most junior CA is 11/04.

There's 25 more in class (started last Monday) and given our staffing requirements for the new rest rules coming into effect plus the expansion in routes we already have planned, combined with the fact that this will take over a year to finalize, we'll probably continue with our hiring through March as planned, 25 a month on average for Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, and Mar adds another 175 on that list for a total somewhere near 1,853.

 

[On Your Six]

Keep what works at Air Tran....

Well, some mid-level SWA pilots should be happy about this - they won't have to wait 10 more years for a Captain's slot. What is the estimate now for recent SWA newhires - 16 years? Perhaps this will expedite things depending upon the integration formula...

Hey SWA Management (if you are listening) please, please, please keep at least two things that work very well at Air Tran:

1. Seat assignments (work well for premium-paying business travelers)
2. XM Radio (some entertainment is better than nothing on the longer transcon flights)

I hope SWA thinks hard about keeping the few really good things that work well at Air Tran - don't just mold Air Tran into Southwest South (or Tran West). Think about keeping what actually works (that does not include the Air Tran gate agents - they do very little work....).

 

[whatitdoing?]

I can only IMAGINE the reaction from Delta's management when they heard the news. But I'm sure they all got together for an emergency meeting to confirm their coolness and being the world's biggest carrier....oh wait, crap. I don't think this is good news AT ALL for big D with SW being a dominate player in the ATL. Grabbing the popcorn now......along with some Pep.

 

[RNP.15]

Now what happens to the likes of LCC, JBLU, ALK.

 

[whatitdoing?]

That's a pretty arrogant statement. Good luck taking on the largest airline at the world's busiest airport (especially with extremely limited international feed). SWA's last quarterly profit = $112M. DAL = $463M net profit.

How many countries does SWA fly to? Oh yeah... 1. DAL? ... 65! So stop acting like SWA rules the world.

Jesus, Delta pilots just don't get it. Dude, look at your statement.

1. Delta isn't gonna be the largest airline as of Oct. 1. So I'll let you make that statement to Friday if that's what get's you hard. What on earth is Delta gonna do when they can't say, "World's Largest Airline". Fly us...."we're just that cool".

2. Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world. Ok....so what? ATL is a transfer point with little originating passengers. Those originating passengers are gonna go to SW unless they're international. But Delta get's a huge amount of money from passengers to airports like LGA, DCA, JFK, and MCO. Now SW is gonna eat your lunch. So if flying into ATL and saying "I fly into the world's busiest airport" puts a smile on your face, ok. Just remember that when you see nothing but orange flying around.

3. SWA earned 112 or so million for a quarter. You're saying because Delta pulled in 463 million that you're better? Remind me how much you lost over the last 5 years compared to SW. Again, can't see the forrest from the trees.

4. Good luck

 

[ugasucks]

You think SWA managment knows the term ATLANTATUDE. As all of us born and raised in Atlanta know they are in for a rude awaking.

 

[fngswa]

What is fair and equitable

First, congrats to AAI guys. At first glance, it is a windfall for you guys. Welcome to an in house union...pros and cons but mostly pro. M&A's are tough (so i've heard), hope this doesn't turn out to be US Airways debacle. So what is fair and equitable, a 7 year FO at SWA makes more than a 7 year Captain? Do we look at pay or position...little of both. 50% of SWA pilots were hired after Mar 01. So we have a lot of "new" pilots, our senior guys will probably stay right where they are. Sadly, in the end, the opinion of one arbitrater matters...between now and then let the flightinfo experts go to town
My parents non-reved on Airtran a lot between Atlanta and Orlando...were treated great. thanks
Hope the best for all!

 

[doh]

Hmmm. NorWelta. UneeTEDinental. LUVtrain? FLyWiN? SWAT?

I like playing name combos.

I like LUVtrain. I still can't believe they let Virgin use Red Wood for a call sign! Too funny! I can just see the Virgin guy telling the FAA with a straight face: "Um, no. It's the tree we're talking about...":laugh:

 

[doh]

Let me add my congratulations to Lear! Glad that is behind you.

 

[dbrownie]

I can only IMAGINE the reaction from Delta's management when they heard the news. But I'm sure they all got together for an emergency meeting to confirm their coolness and being the world's biggest carrier....oh wait, crap. I don't think this is good news AT ALL for big D with SW being a dominate player in the ATL. Grabbing the popcorn now......along with some Pep.

The good news I see is that now our company/union won't be able to club us with "we need the lower rates to stay competitive with Airtran" BS as SWA pilots pay is much higher on the 737 than ours.......also maybe we will get some of the Airtran 717s as Southwest replaces them with 737s.

 

[a320drivr]

Now what happens to the likes of LCC, JBLU, ALK.

We at jb are completely screwed with no CBA. Thanks bobs and non voters.

 

[whatitdoing?]

Curious what AA and UsAir will be doing in the next few months?

 

[Heavy Set]

I bet Delta and AK get together. They already have a big codeshare going, and they park at each other's gates.

 

[Jeff Helgeson]

and guess what.....

90% post's on this thread just confirm to me how many dork's are in aviation!!!!

........with the Waffle House on your Avatat, you are one of them! Welcome to the club. You have been a member and didn't even know it. Emphasis on "member"

 

[Red Baron]

Welcome AirTran pilots!