SWA,ATA,JetBlue, or COEX??

[UpNDownGuy]

Let me 'splain you Lucy...

I should have been more accurate in my previous post. What I was referring to was the likelihood of ATA ceasing operations, and not the facts of our bond obligations. As I said earlier, there is no way these bond obligations cause the shutdown of ATA. What will happen is either re-negotiation, or a Chapter 11 filing, and THEN re-negotiation. It's irritating that this writer just takes that 'ol ball and runs with it...right into wild speculation that will not do anything but hurt ATA. I also agree with NJCapt...the bond holders, Boeing and ILFC have more to lose than ATA in this deal.

 

[ATA73Pilot]

Everything about this business has taught me that longevity and stability are of primary importance.

The type or size of airplane, prestige of whichever uniform you wear, or the larger paycheck do not count for squat without a consistent paystub.

In this day and age, being at the bottom of any airline's seniority list is a large risk (for some airlines more than others). I would be very hesitant to leave your current position unless personal circumstances are forcing you elsewhere.

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

(Be prepared....long rant coming up....)

That being said...in order of preference.....

1..SWA
2..JBlu
3..ATA

SWA has proven that it has what it takes to operate a succesful business model.

JBlu may be the "new kid on the block" but they are doing something right (no small feat in this fickle business).

ATA has major hurdles (specifically the bond payment issue) in the next two years. It also lacks a "Brand Identity" and a consitent application of it's non-exsitent business model (confused you yet?) I'm still waiting to see what makes us an "Honestly Different Airline" as our ad literature proclaims.

We have no announced growth plans (other than increasing frequency of service) and are even deferring some deliveries next year as part of the financial bind we find ourselves in. All the hiring ATA is doing now is driven in large part by increasing utilization of the exsiting airframes. This is being done in the hopes of generating more revenue without increasing current fixed costs.

If this plan doesn't work - I wouldn't want to be at the bottom of the seniority list.

ATA also lacks a cohesive, motivated work force. The pilots are a great bunch - equal to the cadre at SWA, JBlu, Airtran etc.. Unfortunately pilot's alone can't make a successful experience for the passenger. You need motivated FA's, pleasant and professional CSA's, and a support structure for the crews that works with them, not against them.

And to top it off, all of these various elements must be united behind a mangement team that posses a cohesive and motivating vision as well as genuine concern for the wellfare of their employees.

That's what helps make a successful airline.

SWA and JBlu seem to possess these qualities.

ATA falls way short of the mark.

ATA may have been around for 30+ years. But it has been trying to shift itself from the charter business model to the scheduled service one...and only in the last few years. So, to be honest...we are still a "young" start-up in the LCC field.

Take it for what it's worth.

Good Luck in your decision.

 

[texanpilot]

CoEx or ATA? LOL!
CRJ or 757?
Hub-and-spoke or global?
Micky D's or Ruth's Chris?
Yugo or Porsche?
Snickers or Ghirardelli?
Kangroos or Jordans?
Putt-Putt or US Open?
Punky Brewster or the Olsen twins?!!!

News Flash, ATA is no longer a place to get "stuck" at. How about being at United or USair right now? SWA and JBlu are great companies but ATA is a wonderful place to get "stuck."

 

[MJG]

CoEx or ATA? LOL!
CRJ or 757?
Hub-and-spoke or global?
Micky D's or Ruth's Chris?
Yugo or Porsche?
Snickers or Ghirardelli?
Kangroos or Jordans?
Putt-Putt or US Open?
Punky Brewster or the Olsen twins?!!!

I can't resist setting the record straight:

We fly ERJs (remember they're built in the jungle), Yes Hub and Spoke blows, we only eat at Micky D's at the end of the month when we're out of money, some of our folks have blown their wad buying BMWs, AUDIs and Porches, we're all snacking on Snickers(cause we're not going anywhere for a while), Kangroos(sp?) or Jordans is a toss up, we all play putt putt but even that is getting expensive these days and most of us druel over Solei-Moon Fry (she's kinda hot nowadays) and can't wait for the Olsen Twins to do Playboy.

 

[Ty Webb]

I have to chuckle, too.

I notice he didn't list AirTran, even though our present contract pays our FO's more than almost all regional captain pay (for the same year of service). With a 2 year upgrade, you;d think it would be a no-brainer.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Is Airtran going to start interviewing again soon (I think they stopped)? I have heard Airtran has stopped classes.

Also, you guys are notoriously hard to get an interview with.

 

[BigEasy]

We can hear opinions from all walks of life but the bottom line is that this is your decision and yes and important one.

I left COEX last March to start my career here at ATA. The company convinced me of the opprtunity, lots of research and a little faith in the plan, so I took it. I have never looked vback, this with relatively good seniority adn a pregnant wife I took it. The choice was difficult not because of the company, I knew this was a great place with great people, but because of the other factors above. So again, do research and make a decision, you will be comfortable with that.

There are great companies out there with great opportunities. SWA will hire plenty next year, JBLU looks to be a good player, Airtran is filled with growth, and yes ATA is filled with tremendous opportunity. Break them all down and see the one that has the best fit for you.

There are lots of us here that give advice out as if it were golden. I say listen to the ones that actually work at these great companies above and reason it out.

ATA is the place where I will hang my hat hopefully. The pilots are just fantstic and the contract is good. We are hiring lots of pilots with the same next year. The financial situation only has one more hurddle and that is the bond issue, which by the way the upper guys say not to sweat it out on that. ATA is profitable and will be for the year 2003.

Take this for what its worth and I think you will make a good decision.

 

[Ty Webb]

Can't be that hard- they hired me. Seriously, it's just a numbers thing. Too many apps, not enough seats.