From Air Tran's 2Q10 10Q:
As of June 30, 2010, our aircraft purchase commitments for the remainder of 2010 and for the next five years and thereafter, in aggregate, are (in millions): 2010—$20; 2011—$140; 2012—$270; 2013—$280; 2014—$370; 2015—$510; and thereafter—$580. These amounts include payment commitments, including payment of pre-delivery deposits, for aircraft on firm order. Aircraft purchase commitments include the forecasted impact of contractual price escalations. Our intention is to finance the aircraft on order through either debt financing, lease financing, or a mix thereof. We have financing commitments from a lender to finance a majority of the acquisition price of two B737 aircraft scheduled for delivery to us in 2011 or 2012. We have not yet arranged for aircraft financing for any of the other aircraft deliveries.
As the deliveries do come SWA, I would also keep a open mind on how they are getting here. AT would have never taking any of them. Lack of capital. Remember SWA has 250 orders and options with boeing too. Yes it is nice we can take all future deliveries form AT, but you have to realize SWA's capital is the key to any of this going forward. Again AT pilots need to ask the shareholders and Bob why your are being sold. I think it is a pretty weak assumption that the pilots (both sides) have a hand at what they bring in relationship to aircraft.
As far as getting something from the deal? I think we all are. I think you are better off at SWA than you would be at AT in the long run. Your company is hurting. If you where not then this deal would have never gone down. You guy's have money but not enough to survive the long haul.
AT guy's have to realize after the corporate closing we will own you. I hope that day the AT people play as a success sharing team and not burn down the house. You operation is going to put a negative financial impact on our operations initially. You will be part of SWA's long term success as much as the current SWA pilots. Your career expectations will be better off also. Don't think of ME or what I should get now, think 10 years from now.
Don't be surprise if you see another asset acquisition that SWA will be involved with. It's all good.
As far as the new hires, it is do to more vacations, because the group is becoming senior.