Southwest buys Airtran

Interesting. I wonder if they will operate the company independently, or merge it with existing operations.
 
I was furloughed from AirTran during IOE in 1998 and elected to not accept recall. I went to USAir instead.

Which goes to prove my theory that I make worse career decisions than any other pilot in history.
 
Based on current operations, the combined organization would have nearly 43,000 Employees and serve more than 100 million Customers annually from more than 100 different airports in the U.S. and near-international destinations. In addition, the combined carriers' all-Boeing fleet consisting of 685 active aircraft would include 401 Boeing 737-700s, 173 Boeing 737-300s, 25 Boeing 737-500s, and 86 Boeing 717s, with an average age of approximately 10 years, one of the youngest fleets in the industry.

Until closing, Southwest Airlines and AirTran will continue to operate as independent companies. After closing, Bob Fornaro will continue to be involved in the integration of the two companies. Southwest Airlines plans to integrate AirTran into the Southwest Airlines Brand by transitioning the AirTran fleet to the Southwest Airlines livery, developing a consistent Customer Experience, and consolidating corporate functions into its Dallas headquarters.
 
Well I don't think anyone expected this at all... those 717's are going to look goofy as heck in the SWA livery!

Didn't AirTran just hire/interview a bunch of folks? Bet they didn't think they'd end up at SWA!
 
I can't wait to hear todd's comments. It looks like AirTran management took the easy way out with the golden parachute rather than the fight that was brewing with the pilots. In the end, I would think this will turn out much better for the Airtran pilots
 
Merged threads from GT and Airline Pilots forum, figure one thread for the subject is enough. Put in GT since it's such a major industry event.

Things like this merger just go to show that there is NO predicting anything in this industry...
 
MQAAord said:
Things like this merger just go to show that there is NO predicting anything in this industry...
Click to expand...

No kidding! Like I said earlier, I don't think anyone outside of the two higher-managment groups expected this whatsoever.

I do wonder what's going to happen with the SWA 738 orders now...
 
rd757 said:
Well I don't think anyone expected this at all... those 717's are going to look goofy as heck in the SWA livery!

Didn't AirTran just hire/interview a bunch of folks? Bet they didn't think they'd end up at SWA!
Click to expand...

I'm sure the 717's will be gone, before the final integration of the two companies. Just a guess...:D
 
mooneyguy said:
I'm sure the 717's will be gone, before the final integration of the two companies. Just a guess...:D
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Not sure the "grin" smiley is appropriate for that; the pilots would go with the planes. :o

Very surprising news, nonetheless. I don't think anyone saw that coming.
 
MQAAord said:
Things like this merger just go to show that there is NO predicting anything in this industry...
Click to expand...

No Kidding, when I got the email this morning from SWA's rewards program announcing the change I was surprised (but happy) since there was very little talk of a merger before the announcement from the usual sources...

rd757 said:
I do wonder what's going to happen with the SWA 738 orders now...
Click to expand...

I bet you they still will happen since they are purchasing them for the slot restricted markets (NYC, Maybe to fulfill the rumored DCA station, etc) where they just need more bodies in seats since they can't do their usual high frequency schedule.
 
dasleben said:
Not sure the "grin" smiley is appropriate for that; the pilots would go with the planes. :o

Very surprising news, nonetheless. I don't think anyone saw that coming.
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dude the grin was for the "Guessing" part...and I doubt those guys are going to be on the street, southwest does NOT like the "F" word. I would imagine they will do all they can to keep them on!
 
I guess thats one way to get some 738s on the quick. It cant hurt to have a few 717s either. I dont see SWA getting rid of the AirTran brand. Not to mention Im having a hard time picturing a 717 wearing an SWA suit.
 
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