Southwest is buying somebody...or something

[PCL_128]

If SWA is not talking to AirTran, then somebody else is.

I hope so. I think a merger would be in our best interests, I just hope it isn't SWA.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Of all the other carriers, who is a better merger than SWA?

 

[PCL_128]

I would like to see Alaska as my first choice. Big presence on the West coast, ETOPS, and lucrative Hawaiian flying, plus a 737 fleet that merges seamlessly with ours while bringing the bigger -800 and -900 models.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Well I agree with you there. But SWA would be a close second. ALaska would be good because of a lot of points between our two networks to allow growth. Plus I could get back to AK!!!!

 

[Capt. Qdoba]

and lucrative Hawaiian flying[/quote]

Ha!

 

[PCL_128]

Well I agree with you there. But SWA would be a close second. ALaska would be good because of a lot of points between our two networks to allow growth. Plus I could get back to AK!!!!

I'm firmly convinced that we'll get completely raped if SWA comes after us. The further they stay away, the better. I'd actually prefer AMR over SWA.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

If they lose a billion dollars this year they would have to initiate the deal through a BK judge.

 

[Aubie]

Actually, Gary Kelly isn't changing his tune. He never said SWA would merge with someone, he just said they were open to it. People read into his statements, twist them to pit their optimistic imaginations, post them on FI, and the next thing you know they are gospel. Just like that "info" that we are in negotiations with AirTran.

The only thing he has committed to is that our next chili cookoff will be our last. Until the next one.

Man if things get any tighter we will have to print smaller kick-tail stickers.

 

[General Lee]

I would like to see Alaska as my first choice. Big presence on the West coast, ETOPS, and lucrative Hawaiian flying, plus a 737 fleet that merges seamlessly with ours while bringing the bigger -800 and -900 models.

Lucrative Hawaiian flying? Most of the pax are frequent fliers probably. And, I don't know if a 737 is large enough to pay for the gas and make money. Look at some other 737 operators who have had problems making money to Hawaii----namely Aloha and ATA. Alaska does very well to Alaska and from SEA southbound and eastbound. I think they had to add Hawaii for their frequent fliers.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[PCL_128]

I would bet that flying from the mainland to Hawaii is quite profitable. It's the intra-island flying that is not. And ATA's BK had nothing to do with Hawaii flying.

 

[ASADFW7]

I would bet that flying from the mainland to Hawaii is quite profitable. It's the intra-island flying that is not. And ATA's BK had nothing to do with Hawaii flying.

I think the General is correct. I have read in several articles that the frequent flyer points make Hawaii a loss leader for airlines. With fuel at the present level the larger efficient aircraft have an advantage on long haul.

My thoughts of being a SWA pilot is if we stay out of the news, and still are profitable I would be happy.

 

[gt1900]

Not sure you want to have Alaska buy AAI.. Just ask the Alaska guys how happy they are right now.. Trust me, AAI guys are a lot happier than Alaska guys.. Alaska could be just as bad as SWA when it comes to a merger. Those senior Alaska guys are not going to give up any thing to a young AAI pilot group.... Theve been p1ssed on enough as it is..

 

[SkiFishFly]

I'm firmly convinced that we'll get completely raped if SWA comes after us. The further they stay away, the better. I'd actually prefer AMR over SWA.

Why AMR? You want to be on the street? They have more pilots on furlough than we have pilots.
How is that going to work out for us??????

I'll take SWA over AMR any day.

 

[MINIME]

With all due respect to the AAI guys and to AMR's APA, you don't want to have a shotgun wedding with AMR. They still have over 2000 pilots on the street, I believe. Not to mention, the APA is not the most accomodating when it comes to mergers or buyouts.

All you have to do is talk to the TWA guys. I'm not faulting the APA for that. They look out for their own and they do an effective job. But I believe that if AMR comes in the picture with AAI, the company will probably no longer exist. And yes I do mean the pilots. I'd be willing to bet that any company that pairs up with them will come away with two black eyes and a few broken bones to say the least.

If there's any legal loops to staple and furlough, they will find it and use it. Again, not faulting them, just stating from past observation. LUV might have a hard time staffing 130 airframes from one day to the next. Thus, I think the outcome for AAI in particular would be more favorable.

 

[PCL_128]

Why AMR? You want to be on the street? They have more pilots on furlough than we have pilots.
How is that going to work out for us??????

I'll take SWA over AMR any day.

I didn't say I like the idea of AMR, just that I prefer it over SWA. Either option would be a complete cluster. In the history of SLI arbitration, furloughed pilots always end up getting the short end of the stick. I wouldn't worry to much about being placed junior to furloughed pilots.