Gathered info from sources that is definitely encouraging:
Some new isn't new but confirmed from realiable sources
1. Projected hiring numbers for next year in the 250 range
2. Projected hiring for '04 in the 650 range. This isn't a misprint. This is what they are planning for.
3. The perception from some is our on-time performance has slipped. On time performance has averaged +/- 1% over the past 10 years. Our on-time performance now is the same as it was when SWA won the Triple Crown years ago. Other airlines have cut their schedules & stretched their down times & yet we've increased our flights & our times are still good. Everyone else has improved while we have remained constant. Doesn't mean we're not trying to improve, major efforts to continue to improve but wanted to try to dispel the "perception".
4. One of the major carriers has put up for sale their corporate headquarters & training center. They are interested in reasonable offers for all facilities. The company wishes to lease facilities which will greatly decrease costs for them. Just shows how desperate some companies are in trying to find places to cut in order to keep up with SWA.
5. Training facilities on the east coast that are for sale maybe considered for setting up an east coast training facility. Very early stages of looking at this possibility. This might lessen the chances for increases in DAL facility but this has been talked about for some time, first time I've heard it discussed among pilots. Will make BWI/MCO folks very happy.
6. Lots of discussions about internal measurement methods which will help pilots save money while flying (mostly fuel costs). If all the pilots get on board we'll be able to save a lot of fuel.
7. Long haul will make up 50% of SWA's flying much faster than most people have thought.
8. HOU new facilities will be partially open in Jan '03 with 2 additional gates.
9. SWA has moved into C concourse in BWI adding more gates plus ticket counter area out front. Passengers will be able to connect between B & C without having to go through security now...much improved. For those flying through BWI this isn't new but the expansion there will continue as planned.
10 Mood from briefer to audience is SWA is through some of the toughest parts & is now poised to leap forward to "connect" more dots. Very excited & encouraging. They are still in a "cash" conserve mode but that doesn't mean they aren't leaning forward in flt ops to start the sprint at a moment's notice. Good news for poolies.
For those out there who are still waiting for the pool to drain, the day is near but it will take some time. I haven't seen this amount of positive news from HHQ & training center since earlier this year.
Yields are still being challenged but there is slightly less concern about making money in the 4th qtr than several months ago but SWA takes nothing for granted.
Another factor that is important to remember about adding aircraft is the issue of "spares". SWA keeps a minimum number of aircraft as spares, in fact they don't keep planes parked around for that purposes. However, the increased number of ADs on the -700s has caused them to be in the hangar more frenquently & longer than originally expected. Some new aircraft (initially) maybe used to just keep the current schedule operating to make up for the higher mx factor for aircraft to have mods done to them. This may sound somewhat negative and it maybe, but only temporarily. I say all this so folks don't get too caught up with the math formula that is often used for figuring pilot/aircraft ratios.
To those awaiting interviews, having heard anything definite on that front. Will talk to folks & pass along what I hear. I would expect something in 1Q'03 due to the pool depth. Hang in there but keep all options open & keep food on the table.
Some new isn't new but confirmed from realiable sources
1. Projected hiring numbers for next year in the 250 range
2. Projected hiring for '04 in the 650 range. This isn't a misprint. This is what they are planning for.
3. The perception from some is our on-time performance has slipped. On time performance has averaged +/- 1% over the past 10 years. Our on-time performance now is the same as it was when SWA won the Triple Crown years ago. Other airlines have cut their schedules & stretched their down times & yet we've increased our flights & our times are still good. Everyone else has improved while we have remained constant. Doesn't mean we're not trying to improve, major efforts to continue to improve but wanted to try to dispel the "perception".
4. One of the major carriers has put up for sale their corporate headquarters & training center. They are interested in reasonable offers for all facilities. The company wishes to lease facilities which will greatly decrease costs for them. Just shows how desperate some companies are in trying to find places to cut in order to keep up with SWA.
5. Training facilities on the east coast that are for sale maybe considered for setting up an east coast training facility. Very early stages of looking at this possibility. This might lessen the chances for increases in DAL facility but this has been talked about for some time, first time I've heard it discussed among pilots. Will make BWI/MCO folks very happy.
6. Lots of discussions about internal measurement methods which will help pilots save money while flying (mostly fuel costs). If all the pilots get on board we'll be able to save a lot of fuel.
7. Long haul will make up 50% of SWA's flying much faster than most people have thought.
8. HOU new facilities will be partially open in Jan '03 with 2 additional gates.
9. SWA has moved into C concourse in BWI adding more gates plus ticket counter area out front. Passengers will be able to connect between B & C without having to go through security now...much improved. For those flying through BWI this isn't new but the expansion there will continue as planned.
10 Mood from briefer to audience is SWA is through some of the toughest parts & is now poised to leap forward to "connect" more dots. Very excited & encouraging. They are still in a "cash" conserve mode but that doesn't mean they aren't leaning forward in flt ops to start the sprint at a moment's notice. Good news for poolies.
For those out there who are still waiting for the pool to drain, the day is near but it will take some time. I haven't seen this amount of positive news from HHQ & training center since earlier this year.
Yields are still being challenged but there is slightly less concern about making money in the 4th qtr than several months ago but SWA takes nothing for granted.
Another factor that is important to remember about adding aircraft is the issue of "spares". SWA keeps a minimum number of aircraft as spares, in fact they don't keep planes parked around for that purposes. However, the increased number of ADs on the -700s has caused them to be in the hangar more frenquently & longer than originally expected. Some new aircraft (initially) maybe used to just keep the current schedule operating to make up for the higher mx factor for aircraft to have mods done to them. This may sound somewhat negative and it maybe, but only temporarily. I say all this so folks don't get too caught up with the math formula that is often used for figuring pilot/aircraft ratios.
To those awaiting interviews, having heard anything definite on that front. Will talk to folks & pass along what I hear. I would expect something in 1Q'03 due to the pool depth. Hang in there but keep all options open & keep food on the table.
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