freightdogfred
Malcontent
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2002
- Posts
- 990
I will be the first to tell you that Airtran was improperly managed. It was not the end all and be all of airlines. Many things were a constant battle. We were poorly represented by fellow pilots that ran for union positions. Management embraced an adverse relationship with the pilot group. We were continually pitted against other work groups within the airline. Schedulers would ask you for a favor and then screw you out of pay the next day.
The pilots worked very hard to make the operation a success every day. They took care of each other and supported other work groups and forged a team mentality to get the job done to take care of the customers. Huge efforts from the ramp made drastic changes over the years and they became proud of their accomplishments for on time pushes and low rate of mishandled bags. A single agent would handled tickets, board the plane, operate the jet bridge and handle mis-connects. Occasionally you would see them driving the tug at some of the smaller stations. When Club 169 was furloughed the rest of the pilot group adopted families for the Christmas holiday. We worked hard to make it successful IN SPITE OF MANAGEMENTS EFFORTS.
Airtran was not in the same place in the growth cycle as SWA at the time of the purchase on 10/27/2010. They did have the quickest growth to 100 aircraft of any airline until Jet Blue eclipsed the mark. I would venture to bet that Airtran outpaced SWA for growth and profitablility if you compared the first 10-15 years of operation. We were a profitable airline with a good product. Would Airtran survive the next 15 years in the current environment? Maybe.... big maybe. Will SWA be around for the next 15 years... probably so.
Your efforts to cheapen the the efforts and successes that Airtran accomplished are noted. We operated and competed and did well. Take a moment to read the financials and you will see the airline did not lose tons of money over the years.... they were successful and did well in economically challenging times. The pilot group is professional and proud. We succeeded in spite of management and took great pride in the product.
Herb built a great airline and worked diligently to protect what he made. Where was SWA in the first 15 years of its existence? Scrambling to grow and become larger. Now here you are 40 years later and you still don't have international. Many things you do are great and do very well. Training department is outstanding. Schedulers are easy to talk to and credit for three and four day trips is great. Do I trust GK or management? Not as far as I can spit. Do I think that they were in collusion with the union? Yes. Can I change anything that has transpired over the past three years? Nope. Will I continue to come to work and do my job as a professional? Certainly so. Will the paychecks continue until I retire in 17 years? I expect so.
Do I really care what you think? you very much. nite nite
Good post, it about sums it up. Well written and accurate, but you won't change any RSW's pilots mind.