SWA and DCI/ASA competition in PHL

[BlueBlood]

Heard from a buddy at the DAL GO that ASA is primed to compete with SWA under the DAL brand in Philly. I guess it's cheaper to put a 70 seater in there than a 88. More frequency than SWA and all point to point. I guess with more RJs on the way they can muster it.

 

[Bill Nelson]

Sounds like a losing proposition to me. ASA can't fly RJ's any cheaper than SWA can fly its 737's. From a customer standpoint, it is much nicer to ride on a 73 than an RJ and you can bet the fares will be the same.

 

[sweptback]

Sounds like a losing proposition to me. ASA can't fly RJ's any cheaper than SWA can fly its 737's.

I'm not saying you're right or wrong, but can you provide some proof to back up your statement?

 

[wms]

Unlike Airtran, SW has no first class and unlike JB, they have no amenities; they just cram 'em in. If an RJ was going to go head-to-head with an LCC I'd say SW would be the best. It's the same concept just a different size plane, all the bean-counter arguments aside.

But I doubt the accuracy of this rumor anyway, unless something happens to USAir, then DAL would want to be ready to make a move.

 

[Bill Nelson]

Didn't SWA get an agreement with the airport authority (or the governing body) when they agreed to go to PHL to have first right of refusal on any gates/contracts that are breached at the airport? (meaning that if US Air goes T/U then SWA would have the option to get all of their gates prior to anyone else being able to bid on them) I am not positive, but I am pretty sure that was the agreement that was made. SWA is hiring 24 pilots every other week in part for this contengency I believe.

Am I way off base?