SWA and the 737-800

[LUV FLYING]

I'm curious what SWAPA members think about the 737-800. Also curious about whether that means Hawaii is in the cards. What would the trip look like? Would it be an out and back 2 day, or something like that?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-...add-bigger-boeing-737-800-plane-update1-.html

http://beatofhawaii.com/will-southwest-fly-to-hawaii/

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/08/southwest-airlines-will-be-rea.html

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/08/southwest-airlines-will-be-rea.html

 

[Hose A. Jiminez]

The Hawaii pairings are three and four day pairings with 24 off in the islands. That is what is being played with at the moment at least.

 

[waveflyer]

What base(s)?

 

[redflyer65]

The base choice keeps bouncing around. Obviously it will be one of three...PHX, LAS, or OAK.

Looks like all ETOPS mx is being lined up for LAX, so all three pilot bases are still in the running.

 

[mokitty]

Hawaii will happen. It just HAS to. There are already questions about the -800 and Hawaii in the 2012 PC study guide. Here's one:

"2. You are preparing to land at PHNL on runway 08L in a -800 aircraft after an uneventful crossing. Describe the proper landing techniques to avoid a tail strike."

There it is, black and white from the company. The CKA wouldn't waste our time (or their own) with questions that don't have practical application.

Or would they??? :smash::nuts:

 

[Fly-By-Cable]

"an uneventfull crossing", now thats funny. What, did you arrive in Japan?

 

[75M]

Q: You are preparing to land at PHNL on runway 08L in a -800 aircraft after an uneventful crossing. Describe the proper landing techniques to avoid a tail strike.

A: Don't do anything until you hear "20", then don't do much.

 

[HalinTexas]

There's no difference between PHNL and KOAK as far as landing technique in an -800. There's quite a bit of difference between the -700 though, and you'll probably be exiting at Y in PHNL, so easy on the brakes/reversers.

Might get to the terminal quicker if you land on 4R though. And the "channel approach" is fun if you have the nerve. Ask an Aloha guy. Only did it once, myself.

KMDW will be fun with it! Ask the ATA guys there if you have questions.

 

[HalinTexas]

"an uneventfull crossing", now thats funny. What, did you arrive in Japan?

"Eventful" on this route is if you can't find anyone to talk to on "fingers." Easiest flying in the world. Miss it.

 

[scoreboardII]

Heard SWA won't be going HI before they go big down to Carib, South America, etc, then: HI.

I also understand there is talk of trips being 3 days to HI, first day there, second day as reserve for trip home, then third day you fly it home.

 

[DieselDragRacer]

"an uneventfull crossing", now thats funny. What, did you arrive in Japan?

Or maybe they're worried about the tail striking the water on a water landing?

 

[satpak77]

The base choice keeps bouncing around. Obviously it will be one of three...PHX, LAS, or OAK.

Looks like all ETOPS mx is being lined up for LAX, so all three pilot bases are still in the running.

RE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honolulu_International_Airport#Top_destinations

LAX, SFO, LAS, then PHX are "top" air travel cities for Honolulu.

My craps shot is it will be OAK

 

[redflyer65]

I was just speaking to which pilot base is selected for the ETOPS training. I suspect that eventually there will be many route points out of the Cont. US. I see us doing PHX, OAK, LAX, and maybe LAS to HNL. Others may follow.

Which pilot base does the flying? Sometimes I'm not sure the company knows yet..

 

[Cruncher]

It'll probably start with only one of the west coast bases. I foresee a OAK/LAS/PHX - LAX - HNL 1st day or 2nd day. Then a similar thing on the way back: HNL-LAX (with an airplane swap for the late push back to HNL). Crew that just came from HNL will eventually work back into a normal SWA pairing. We may even see the dreaded redeye push outta HNL, 2 legs back to OAK (maybe that's where the 24hrs off comes from).

I figure, after a year or two, you can expect all 3 west coast bases to be ETOPS "trained". Prolly within a few years, all SWA pilots will be "trained".

I also see the Caribbean, Mexico & Central America as a focus of effort within the next couple years.

After ATL gets integrated into the rest of the SWA network, connecting all the dots, seems natural we'll expand outside the lower 48 border.

Some other things I see: the company will really like the -800 both with the added revenue coupled with essentially flat employee costs. I also believe, Boeing will come through and will have a small fleet of -800Max within 10 years. Too bad we won't keep the 1st class that FL brought. Now if we can get the wifi up an running / maybe outlets at the seats on the longer segments!

Sorry if this all seems obvious. Just my opinion.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Perhaps you should worry about ETOPS certification before you worry about who will do the flying. Allegiant was supposed to be in Hawaii two years ago. They haven't made it yet.

 

[Jetjockey]

Perhaps you should worry about ETOPS certification before you worry about who will do the flying. Allegiant was supposed to be in Hawaii two years ago. They haven't made it yet.

Somehow I think has SWA has a little more in resource department. We already now they have the best FAA money can buy.

 

[bluestreaking]

A check airman that I flew with said that we start proving-runs to Hawaii in August. Also, we'll be dedicating 28 aircraft to Hawaii service.

 

[satpak77]

Perhaps you should worry about ETOPS certification before you worry about who will do the flying. Allegiant was supposed to be in Hawaii two years ago. They haven't made it yet.

This is the reason many of us are starting to leave this site. Bro, the OP asked a fairly easy and simple question, not a-typical of something asked over some beers. "Hey, when will you guys serve Hawaii" "Gee, Tom, I don't know/maybe in 6 months/etc". "Ah, ok, cool"

I wish SWA the very best and hope they reach Hawaii sooner than later.

save your ETOPS/etc etc world is gonna end attitude and take it somewhere else

 

[Tripower455]

Perhaps you should worry about ETOPS certification before you worry about who will do the flying. Allegiant was supposed to be in Hawaii two years ago. They haven't made it yet.

Perhaps you ought to crawl back under your rock?

You know, the one where you don't discriminate against anyone except JB and VA folks looking for a ride to work/home....

 

[scoreboardII]

Too bad we won't keep the 1st class that FL brought. Now if we can get the wifi up an running / maybe outlets at the seats on the longer segments!

Sorry if this all seems obvious. Just my opinion.

I agree, can't see anything wrong with one-two rows of business class seats and charging industry rates.