Southwest won.

[SWA/FO]

I believe "WE" the employees of SWA are the only ones that can ruin this great ride. That is why we must continue to hire the right people.

With that being said..... everybody I have ever met at ATA has been great. Who knows what the future will bring.

 

[Ty Webb]

. . . . This whole episode also works to illuminate the fact that we are dealing with two very smart management teams heading both AAI and SWA.

AAI was smart to ink a deal for 14 gates at MDW. AAI was also smart not to accept a reduced number of gates nor up their bid to an unreasonable level for those gates. . . . . .

. . . Obviously, SWA's bid was not an attempt to assist ATA. . . . . .. SWA management sees AAI as a serious rival and serious threat and needed to move to thwart them. . . . .
. . . . . Way back when, SWA played the role of David. They prevailed by being scrappier and smarter than their larger and better-financed rivals. . . . . .

However, as SWA grows at an unprecedented pace and does so with the new moniker of "industry leader", I think there is a real chance in the long term that SWA will fall into some of the same traps that have tripped up large, industry leading airlines in the past. . . . . . .

Man, what a great post. Thanks for putting it way better than I could have.

What can I say? Congrats to the SWA and ATA employees. And, as my Dad used to say, "We shall see what we shall see".

To the guy who wondered "what happened" to me- as the late, great Mark Twain put it, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated" (with apologies to Mr. Twain). I was sleeping off a red-eye and just saw the press release a few hours ago.

And, last, to Joe Peeonotz . . . . Remember what happened to the Norwegian Blue, with its "beautiful plumage". . . Squawk, squawk, thump.

 

[capt. megadeth]

What do you guys/gals think will happen to Chicago Express with this deal?

 

[atafan]

According to telephone press interview by George Mikelsons.

Chicago Express will continue out of MDW and IND.

 

[MDP727]

Now you can buy a ticket out of Flint on ATA connection, fly to MDW, then board a SWA bird to LA, then climb on the ATA 757 to Maui. Excellent! All three management teams now just have to figure out how to divy up the $29.00 fare.

 

[75M]

That's funny!

 

[POWDERFINGER]

Now you can buy a ticket out of Flint on ATA connection, fly to MDW, then board a SWA bird to LA...

You can go to LAX on ATA, but you'll go on SWA to Orange County, Oakland, and other fine destinations. It'll be a great deal for travellers and hopefully all involved will benefit.

(grin) You will have more value for your buck, and not have to associate with the scabs and hoes at Airtranny Airways.

 

[IAHERJ]

That was mature Powderfinger. I'm truly sorry your penis is so small.

IAHERJ

 

[roughneck]

It is my understanding that associating with hoes will cause scabs no matter what airline you work for.

 

[POWDERFINGER]

My tool may be small, but it is effective...and it doesn't turn folks off the way an AAI badge does. It is time to gloat for a moment at the apparent defeat of the AAI bid for ATA assets.

There's a rotten gene of terpitude that's been passed from Louis Jordan all the way to Joe Leonard and his gaggle of wannabes over there, and I'm glad they're off to infest some other airline and not ATA. Thus is slowed this industry's race to the bottom!

 

[fletch717]

Powder, You and capt seth are truly the most professional, mature men around. Once again I'm sure that you have denied your jumpseat to some of your own pilots based on your statments. I think I hear karma knocking.

Fletch

 

[willard]

Allow me to apologize for Powderfingers ignorance in advance of the upcoming counter attacks. As an ATA pilot I am one again embarrased by one of our own spoutin off on this forum. Please understand that these types are the exception not the rule at ATA.

 

[IAHERJ]

I know you don't represent the majority of those at ATA. Congratulations anyway on keeping your job. I'm happy for all the ATA pilots and by default, that includes you Powder. I take issue with the race to the bottom comment. I'd put our 737-800 rates (which are 13% higher than the -700 rates on airlinepilotpay.com) against most airlines anyday. The race to the bottom is not going to be led by AAI. (grin)I hope ATA will hold their own in the upcomming year and not do as you say and contribute to that race. Pretty cocky talk comming from you given your plight. Good luck though.

IAHERJ

 

[Flip Conroy]

Not that it makes a hill of beans to me, but since POWDERFINGER decided to cast a few stones and call people "hoes", I decided to do a quick look-up of pay comparisons.

ATA 10yr 737 CA - $142/hr
AAI 10yr 717/737-700 CA - $144/hr
SWA 10yr 737 CA - $178/hr
ALK 10yr 737 CA - $194/hr

So, Mr. Finger. WHO is leading that "race to the bottom" you speak of? I guess there are "hoes" sitting next to you as well as the ones you say are over at AAI.

Shouldn't be casting those stones. Some might wind up hitting you square between the eyes.

Flip Conroy....unemployed/furloughed pilot. But NOT "hoeing" myself out at the rates Mr. POWDERFINGER is willing to do it for.

 

[Kharma Police]

I would concern yourself with the future. You might some day be looking for a job at AirTran.

My tool may be small, but it is effective...and it doesn't turn folks off the way an AAI badge does. It is time to gloat for a moment at the apparent defeat of the AAI bid for ATA assets.

There's a rotten gene of terpitude that's been passed from Louis Jordan all the way to Joe Leonard and his gaggle of wannabes over there, and I'm glad they're off to infest some other airline and not ATA. Thus is slowed this industry's race to the bottom!