SWA to keep 717s around after all!!

[scoreboardII]

There's no way SWA can get rid of 717's in three years, we're still flying crapamatic -500's fer christ sake.

 

[Bill Nelson]

AirTran pilots, all of them, are going to be SWA pilots. The SLI gives them this assurance. They should bid equipment based on QOL and domicile options. If you live in ATL or TPA (MCO) you should consider your relative seniority on the MSL and bid 717 if you do not want to be a commuter. If you already commute and want the try and bid any of the SWA domiciles then you should consider the 737 F/O bid position.

There should be zero fear factored into the equation. All AirTran employees will get a SWA ID and all of them as of today have a spot on the SWA master seniority list. That will not change.

 

[shootr]

Bill is 100% correct. ALL AT pilots are on "the list". IF a furlough were to happen after SOC, current positions will be meaningless as it would happen in reverse seniority order. IF all 717's are sold, all 717/737 pilots are already on the SWAPA master seniority list and would not have to go with the airplanes (it'd probably go in reverse seniority order to avoid the possible furloughs).

With all that said, I highly doubt any of us have to worry about furloughs at SWA. Just my opinion based on history,

Bid what you want and need and don't worry about the rest.

shootr

 

[slaquer5]

AirTran pilots, all of them, are going to be SWA pilots. The SLI gives them this assurance. They should bid equipment based on QOL and domicile options. If you live in ATL or TPA (MCO) you should consider your relative seniority on the MSL and bid 717 if you do not want to be a commuter. If you already commute and want the try and bid any of the SWA domiciles then you should consider the 737 F/O bid position.

There should be zero fear factored into the equation. All AirTran employees will get a SWA ID and all of them as of today have a spot on the SWA master seniority list. That will not change.

I third what Bill said. I highly doubt SWA is going to furlough. Do what fits you best and do not listen to the fear mongers on here.

 

[Ty Webb]

It's a nice change to stop by these threads, and not have to whip it out for a quick peeing contest.

Look forward to working with y'all . . . .:beer:

 

[ASADFW7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbt30UnzRWw

Just for Ty

 

[Ty Webb]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbt30UnzRWw

Just for Ty

OK, but I get to be one of the beer-drinking cowboys, not one of the spastic Schprocket dudes. . . . we already have enough of those around here! :laugh:

 

[Whine Lover]

"And now, Ve danz...!"

 

[Fubijaakr]

Considering SWA is planning on hiring a bunch of pilots, the furlough question is moot. Even if the 717s go, staffing and training issues will require pilots, especially to man the order books for both SWA and AAI.

I think some a fretting over nothing.

 

[Hose A. Jiminez]

717s will not leave until at least '17. I don't see any advantage in forcing yourself into a commute. If you live in a SWA domicile would be the only reason I can think of.

 

[waveflyer]

Bill, shootr, slaquer - even Fubi said it- + 400 new hires on the swa side that we're all very protective of that would have to be furloughed first before AT pilots- and any AT new hires that we're all very protective of.

So- make the decision that suits you best- and take the first step in trusting that we aren't saying this for no reason. Time to relax and know you're family from GK down, has your back.

 

[Tripower455]

Fact- even with high oil prices, Airtran made money flying the 717. The rapid retirement of the DC-9 and accelerated delivery of the 717 is actually what saved the company from bankruptcy. I'm assuming the current lease rates are reasonable, or Airtran would have been long gone. The engines are all owned by Rolls-Royce, so it's "power by the hour", factored into the operating cost. I expect GK to call me any day, to ask me what to do.

FWIW, I just got back from my PC in Mecca. Terry Gleason (one of the many management types in DAL) came in and talked to the class. He said that the company wants to get rid of the 717s ASAP, and is supposedly working with Boeing to work out some kind of way to make it happen. He specifically stated that SW can't make money with them when the pilots are paid our rates to fly them.

That said, he was very positive about the future of SW......

Just what he said and subject to change.....

Happy Thanksgiving folks......

 

[Fubijaakr]

I think you're right, Trip. The 717s will depart sooner than later. You'll need the pilots on the payroll to cover training issues PLUS the 737s SWA and AAI have on the order books.

Additionally, staffing will need to increase to cover the proposed long-range flying SWA is eyeing. I don't think you need to worry about furloughs too much.

 

[General Lee]

There's no way SWA can get rid of 717's in three years, we're still flying crapamatic -500's fer christ sake.

Why didn't you tell the Airtran guys that during the SLI stuff?


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[waveflyer]

You're dredging Gen -
No need to relive it. We chose the "together" path.
Good try though