SWA GK talks about the industry

[PCL_128]

I think we would be lucky just to keep our jobs, SWA doesn't like to merge only acquire.

Very true.

 

[PCL_128]

What are you talking about?

Current 7 year upgrade at SWA + new age 65 rule + stapled to the bottom of the SWA list = lucky to upgrade in the next two decades. No thanks.

 

[Kharma Police]

No dig here...

Why the change of heart about mergers on the Airtran side of the house....suddenly being the airline that is bought makes things not so happy???

Now you sorta get a feeling of what the people at Midwest went through...

I have no problem with a merger (CAL, Spirit), however SWA has stated that they would never merge with another airline, they would much rather acquire assets than deal with disparate employee groups, something about maintaining their unique culture. SWA might acquire only the 737 side of AirTran kinda like the 727s and A-300s that Delta acquired from PAN-AM.

As far as how Midwest feels; they will be furlouging in January, we (as well as Delta) will be hiring. I don't want to go "through" what they are going through right now, best of luck to them.

 

[PCL_128]

No dig here...

Why the change of heart about mergers on the Airtran side of the house....suddenly being the airline that is bought makes things not so happy???

Now you sorta get a feeling of what the people at Midwest went through...

Go back and take a look at some of the previous threads that dealt with this subject. SWA pilots were advocating making us "reinterview" for our jobs after a merger, just stapling us, etc... We were talking about ratio or DOH integration with MEH. Big difference. I just get the feeling that we'll end up getting raped in a merger with SWA.

 

[Mr.B]

My source has been telling me SWA + Air Tran for a while now. And you guys called me crazy.

There would be no reason Southwest would need to buy AirTran. GK said the goal is revenue enhancement. SW could easily muscle its way into any AT market and do fine.

What they want is an acquisition of somebody with extensive international exposure. THATS where the revenue is.

To do otherwise is a waste of money.

 

[jke406]

SW could easily muscle its way into any AT market and do fine.

Really? So we should expect an announcement that SWA is going to start ATL service...when?

keep trying, fella. even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

 

[ATLplt]

No dig here...

Why the change of heart about mergers on the Airtran side of the house....suddenly being the airline that is bought makes things not so happy???

Now you sorta get a feeling of what the people at Midwest went through...

The "people at Midwest" were going to get a fair integration along with the promise of growth in their own home base. When SWA folks want us stapled or re-interviewed for our current job we're certainly not going to be excited about it. Personally, I hope SWA stays far away.

 

[FlyinGuy]

I hope we (SWA) stay away from any merger. It will not be good for anyone! I do think that Kelly is different in his thinking. He is a revenue man and is not thinking about things like Herb would...we will see what happens.

 

[airline#5]

I would luv to see it happen. Aside from the pay-for-training requirement which I cannot afford as a FL FO, I can think of only good things about SWA. Jumpseating is an absolute pleasure, and much appreciated. Fair integration is my only concern. Pilots at FL are good guys. Exposing the FL stews to the "team" oriented SWA culture would no doubt be interesting, but not impossible with some necessary casualties of course. WTF, lets do it. NO HATS TOO!!! A LCC requiring hats...gay.

 

[curtis46]

All i need now,is you guys scaring those 717 capt about talk of merger with SW.that's when they start to jump ship and to come over this side of the house.adding a 737 type to someone resume is fine,but coming to the 737 because of talk of merger with MIDEX or SW are the wrong reasons.

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

The "people at Midwest" were going to get a fair integration along with the promise of growth in their own home base. When SWA folks want us stapled or re-interviewed for our current job we're certainly not going to be excited about it. Personally, I hope SWA stays far away.

Depends on who's definition of "fair" you use...

Some of those "people at Midwest" didn't see it the way you did...

Good luck in any merger to all who get involved....it's gonna suck until we get a national list....buuuuut I digress...

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

Go back and take a look at some of the previous threads that dealt with this subject. SWA pilots were advocating making us "reinterview" for our jobs after a merger, just stapling us, etc... We were talking about ratio or DOH integration with MEH. Big difference. I just get the feeling that we'll end up getting raped in a merger with SWA.

That's garbage...reinterviewing?? It would be a merger of equals...the lawsuits would be disgusting...

Good luck to all....

 

[GuppyWN]

It would be a merger of equals...the lawsuits would be disgusting...

Good luck to all....

Merger? I thought I read "aqusition" in the article.

Gup

 

[Kharma Police]

Merger? I thought I read "aqusition" in the article.

Gup

See what I mean.......

 

[PCL_128]

Merger? I thought I read "aqusition" in the article.

Gup

Well Lumberg, there ya go. A perfect example of the crap that we got from the SWA guys last time this was discussed. See why I want nothing to do with these people?