In the second letter, from SWA's own Bob Montgomery, in the first link, he refers TWICE to the 40 year old policy that Houston maintain only one internatinal airport. It is in bold letters and should be easy for you to READ...
Nice try, Flop, but that's not what he said at all. In that letter, Bob is referring to
UAL's stance on the issues. He's merely repeating what UAL has said, and then rebutting it. What Bob says is the following: "We are unaware of any restriction, limitation, or representation by the Houston Airport System or by the City of Houston to focus international services at IAH. Further, we are unaware of any restriction, limitation, or representation in any contractual agreement between the City and airlines serving Houston, nor in any bond ordinance that would lead one to conclude that Houston has any policy at all to focus international service at IAH."
Them's the facts, Flop. They don't back up your employer.
If you bother to go to the Chronicle's website, even GK himself admits [downplays] that what he is asking for is a building permit.
Yes, that's exactly what he's asking for: a building permit. He just needs permission to build a terminal building at HOU for five additional gates. That's not a change of policy, as much as you and Mr. Smisek want it to be.
There is a vote that has to take place. There is an existing policy that has to be reversed. There is an approval that must be granted.
You're really working hard to stretch the truth, Flop. No policy needs to be reversed. Again, if such a policy exists, show it to us! The airport authority themselves said in a letter to UAL that they aren't aware of any such policy. I think they would know. This is nothing more than a building approval. So unless you or UAL have a valid reason to not allow someone to build something with their own money, then you've got no case here.
Both these links provide such an exaggeratedly pro SWA stance, that to anyone who doesn't work for SWA, it will make you want to throw up. 10,000 jobs?! TEN THOUSAND JOBS WILL BE CREATED?! There is not a single person in Houston who does not realize SWA is full of crap when they make that claim. SWA has not done anything for Houston but pass through and collect money.
More hyperbole. I'm sure SWA's numbers are optimistic at best, but in the same vein, UAL's theories of doom and gloom are just as hyperbolic in the other direction. Claiming that employees are going to lose their jobs and passenger numbers are going to drop off is ridiculous. Both sides are just painting the best picture for their argument.
