SWA GK talks about the industry

[jke406]

I don't remember 5 to 1 mentioned, but it's possible. If it was, it certainly wasn't mentioned by many of us. I favored DOH, as I do with all mainline/mainline mergers, and that would have been a loss of seniority for me personally. The words "staple" and "reinterview" should never even be mentioned in a merger between two mainline carriers.

I would imagine most folks on the receiving end of an aquistion would favor DOH.

PCL, I respect your posts...but: you can wish in one hand and sh!t in the other. Tell me which hand fills up first.

 

[Eagle757shark]

I think the crews at AT would be a great asset to SWA, I know lots of AT guys and spent a lot of years in Da A-T-L working along side them, I don't think ANY SWA guy thinks the AT guys aren't worthy of a SWA job. If there WERE a SWA-AT deal (which I think is a long shot) the relative integration of the AT guys would have nothing to do with their "quality" it's just the way this business works. Unfair, but reality. Just ask the TWA guys.

You are mixing apples and oranges when you compare the possible merger between AirTran and Southwest and what happened with American and TWA. Folks lets get one thing straight, AirTran is a successful and profitable carrier! AirTran is not in ch.11 like TWA. When it came to it, TWA entered into a deal with American airlines for its survival. TWA was in Ch.11 so career expectations were bleak considering a carrier that was possibly going out of business. AirTran is not a failing carrier. If AirTran and Southwest put together some type of deal, perhaps it could be with third party financing or it could end up being a true merger. So before you guys get on your soap box about how nice AirTran guys are and rather AirTran guys are worthy to be in Southwest colors, step back and take a DEEP breathe. This is not TWA and American, period! Do some homework aviators, there are more airline mergers outside TWA and American where there was integration among two employee groups. To name a few (Western and Delta, US Air, Piedmont, and PSA, Pan Am and National, and Amercian and Reno)! AirTran is profitable and would be bringing 60 firm 737-700 aircraft to the table. So all you me, me, me, me, selfish guys, put your staple guns back in the closet, AirTran employees deserve and will stand equal to any Southwest employee if there is any merger transaction going forward!

 

[momalley81]

You are mixing apples and oranges when you compare the possible merger between AirTran and Southwest and what happened with American and TWA. Folks lets get one thing straight, AirTran is a successful and profitable carrier! AirTran is not in ch.11 like TWA. When it came to it, TWA entered into a deal with American airlines for its survival. TWA was in Ch.11 so career expectations were bleak considering a carrier that was possibly going out of business. AirTran is not a failing carrier. If AirTran and Southwest put together some type of deal, perhaps it could be with third party financing or it could end up being a true merger. So before you guys get on your soap box about how nice AirTran guys are and rather AirTran guys are worthy to be in Southwest colors, step back and take a DEEP breathe. This is not TWA and American, period! Do some homework aviators, there are more airline mergers outside TWA and American where there was integration among two employee groups. To name a few (Western and Delta, US Air, Piedmont, and PSA, Pan Am and National, and Amercian and Reno)! AirTran is profitable and would be bringing 60 firm 737-700 aircraft to the table. So all you me, me, me, me, selfish guys, put your staple guns back in the closet, AirTran employees deserve and will stand equal to any Southwest employee if there is any merger transaction going forward!

Which was a staple job.

 

[Daddy]

OK, so Airtran has 1650 folks on the list now...how many of those were hired in the last push...i.e. since 9/11? You guys started hiring in late 2004 I think, so I'm guessing maybe 800 since then?

 

[Eagle757shark]

OK, so Airtran has 1650 folks on the list now...how many of those were hired in the last push...i.e. since 9/11? You guys started hiring in late 2004 I think, so I'm guessing maybe 800 since then?

I can't believe you guys! Who cares. Prior to 2002 no one was interested in going to work for AirTran, Southwest, or Jetblue. Everyone was trying to get on with American, Delta, United, US Airways, Continental, and Northwest. So what is your point? Gk talks about consolidation and the arrogance of some of you are already on here talking about what you are entitled to. None of us knows what will happen in 2008. Business decisions in the board rooms will not be determined based on pilots. If these two good airlines have an opportunity to merge, then it will pretty much dominate the domestic markets. But the future is a global economy, the euro, and open skies. The airlines that are thinking globally will see a bright future. Those that are just focusing on domestic will eventually struggle in this global economy. The most interesting move this year by a low cost carrier was Jetblue linking up with Luftansa. It may be small now, but what about future possibilities? Keep in mind the EURO vs the Dollar. That will dictate all of our futures.

 

[jneely]

Which was a staple job.

You Sir are a Jack Ass.

Jeff Neely

 

[RedDogC130]

Remember SWA will not MERGE with anyone. We will ACQUIRE them the rules go out the window.

 

[jneely]

Remember SWA will not MERGE with anyone. We will ACQUIRE them the rules go out the window.

That comment also makes You Sir a Jack Ass.

Jeff Neely

 

[B727Driver]

Sorry Neely, RedDog is right. Historically, SWA doesn't merge, they buy. Buyer calls the shots. Just ask the Transtar or the Morris folks. I hope AirTran stands alone.

Best regards for the new year to all on the FI board.
B727Driver, turning kerosene into noise.

 

[BILL LUMBERG]

I don't remember 5 to 1 mentioned, but it's possible. If it was, it certainly wasn't mentioned by many of us. I favored DOH, as I do with all mainline/mainline mergers, and that would have been a loss of seniority for me personally. The words "staple" and "reinterview" should never even be mentioned in a merger between two mainline carriers.

PCL,

So now you are a "mainline"??? Who's your Commuter??

I believe you are a major LCC last I checked

 

[JoeMerchant]

PCL,

So now you are a "mainline"??? Who's your Commuter??

I believe you are a major LCC last I checked

I love it..... Bill and PCL arguing over stupid labels of who is a "mainline" pilot..... they are both poster children of what's wrong with ALPA..... these labels are solely in the eye of the beholder.......

 

[Nindiri]

PCL,

So now you are a "mainline"??? Who's your Commuter??

No one is, I believe. Unlike some "mainlines", his airline didn't give away all it's scope for a few more dollars.

 

[atafan]

Ladies, don't get all wrapped tight, this deal with AirTran isn't happening. If SWA buys anyone it will be WestJet and I'm sure the SWA boys will show them lots of LUV.:uzi:

 

[JoeMerchant]

No one is, I believe. Unlike some "mainlines", his airline didn't give away all it's scope for a few more dollars.

....actually, Air Wisconsin did some regional flying for Air Tran.... They never "gave away" anything..... they never had it to start......

 

[Nindiri]

I know. I was just amused at Bill getting wound up about "mainline" vs "major" like it really matters.