SWA Grounds Large Portion of Fleet

[Firebird2XC]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

Wow, an airline that wants to run as promised to the passengers. Go figure. Kudos to them for actually caring about it.

.. because that's how they keep the money flowing.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

Wow, an airline that wants to run as promised to the passengers. Go figure. Kudos to them for actually caring about it.

I sense the sarcasm.

I think I was pretty genuine in my post, and meant no ill fate towards SWA's decision to stay out of ATL.

It was, yes, a smart decision. But for all the passengers who love SWA to death, they can't get into ATL without either going on another company, or driving in from Birmingham.

[falconvalley]

If this is a significant inspection, I see this putting a ton of pressure on maintenance to get the nonaffected planes that were in for scheduled, out ASAP so they can cancel the least amount of flights. Not good. I hope they do what's right and take the hit.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

I think I was pretty genuine in my post, and meant no ill fate towards SWA's decision to stay out of ATL.

Ah, I guess I miss understood your "Good Riddance" comment. My bad.

Not that I care, I don't work for SWA, but healthy competition really is a good thing in the long run.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

Ah, I guess I miss understood your "Good Riddance" comment. My bad.

Not that I care, I don't work for SWA, but healthy competition really is a good thing in the long run.

No worries, but I don't recall a Good riddance comment in this thread.

[Velocipede]

If there was a decent local reliever airport in ATL, SWA would be all over it. They tried it with BFI, but the City Council shot them down.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

No worries, but I don't recall a Good riddance comment in this thread.

"That's a huge reason SWA doesn't come into Atlanta, they wouldn't be able to stay on scheduled. So, they goto Birmingham instead. Good riddance. "

Post #20.

[Gonzo]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

If there was a decent local reliever airport in ATL, SWA would be all over it. They tried it with BFI, but the City Council shot them down.

They have tried to get in to PDK, LZU ( there was a rumor they were going to pay for all needed changes )

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

"That's a huge reason SWA doesn't come into Atlanta, they wouldn't be able to stay on scheduled. So, they goto Birmingham instead. Good riddance. "

Post #20.

Touche. . .that's what I get for only reading the first four words.

[PCL_128]

Thankfully, the local politicians will see to it that SWA can't get access to any airport other than Hartsfield.

[wheelsup]

On a side note who the hell approved 121 service into White Plains? And why does Airtran take a 717 in there? I can see 1900s and SAAB's but a 717 is just over the top.

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

Thankfully, the local politicians will see to it that SWA can't get access to any airport other than Hartsfield.

There is a new terminal under construction. . .

SWA in Atlanta would do a number on AirTran I'm afraid

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

On a side note who the hell approved 121 service into White Plains? And why does Airtran take a 717 in there? I can see 1900s and SAAB's but a 717 is just over the top.

We fill up those 717s pretty easily. To the best of my knowledge, it's a pretty profitable route. JetBlue even takes an Airbus in there, and they don't even use a jetbridge!

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

SWA in Atlanta would do a number on AirTran I'm afraid

I doubt it. Even if they got gates, they couldn't get more than a handful of them. That means they could only serve a few destinations, so not much of a threat. We'd be just fine.

[Gonzo]

SWA will never go into Hartsfield. I think they get their way into ATL at RYY or MGE. Also keep in mind I hear the airport manager wants them in AHN and is willing to give up ownership of the gates to SWA.

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

I sense the sarcasm.

I think I was pretty genuine in my post, and meant no ill fate towards SWA's decision to stay out of ATL.

It was, yes, a smart decision. But for all the passengers who love SWA to death, they can't get into ATL without either going on another company, or driving in from Birmingham.

Yeah, I wish they did fly somewhere in the ATL area. Every time I go there on business I have to fly Delta or Airtran. DAL to PDK or something would be good for me as a business traveler.

Be even better if they could land at Dobbins AFB, because I usually need to go to north ATL - Marietta area.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

We fill up those 717s pretty easily. To the best of my knowledge, it's a pretty profitable route. JetBlue even takes an Airbus in there, and they don't even use a jetbridge!

I bet. I just don't think it's a place for 121.

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by Gonzo

SWA will never go into Hartsfield. I think they get their way into ATL at RYY or MGE. Also keep in mind I hear the airport manager wants them in AHN and is willing to give up ownership of the gates to SWA.

Delta has far too many Georgia politicians in their pocket. It'll never happen. If SWA wants to come to ATL, they'll have to deal with Hartsfield, and rightfully so.

[PCL_128]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

I bet. I just don't think it's a place for 121.

I hate going there. The GA traffic is non-stop. Really annoying place to operate out of.

[FlyChicaga]

Originally Posted by PCL_128

I doubt it. Even if they got gates, they couldn't get more than a handful of them. That means they could only serve a few destinations, so not much of a threat. We'd be just fine.

That's what Frontier said. Now look at Denver.

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by FlyChicaga

That's what Frontier said. Now look at Denver.

I think you're right, Chicaga. But, I think they'll hold off on ATL until they kill F9. I just jumpseated from HOU to DEN on SWA. F9 needs to be VERY worried.

[FlyChicaga]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

I think you're right, Chicaga. But, I think they'll hold off on ATL until they kill F9. I just jumpseated from HOU to DEN on SWA. F9 needs to be VERY worried.

I certainly don't see them entering any new markets in the next couple years. SWA has deferred deliveries and slowed growth from 10 percent down to about 4-5 percent with the current fuel prices. I agree that ATL won't be on the radar anytime soon, unless a "synergy" is found with AirTran.

Talking with another CA who commutes on Frontier, he says he has never seen morale so low there. From all I've heard, SWA is really doing well in the DEN market, and it's really hurting F9.

I wonder if it is affecting United as much as Frontier.

[Velocipede]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the slowed organic growth of SWA due to an impending acquisition.

And its either Air Tran or (gulp!) Alaska.

[PCL_128]

We're hearing rumors that AirTran management has been selling our delivery slots so they can amass the cash to purchase Frontier after their market cap bottoms out.

[FlyChicaga]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

I wouldn't be surprised to see the slowed organic growth of SWA due to an impending acquisition.

And its either Air Tran or (gulp!) Alaska.

I highly doubt it will be Alaska. I've heard that SWA will not be merging with any ALPA carrier...