Originally Posted by
blakman7
Ok buddy, point made.
But try to look at it this way.....
1) A new base will need crews and airplanes.
2) SWA just got 140 airplanes from AT.
3) Multiple -800's will be on property in the years to come.
4) Replacing 40 classics with 33 -800's is a gain in terms of seats for sale.
- Lets say for example that the 40 classics were all 137 seat airplanes. That would be 5,480 seats total. Now, with 33 737-800's with 175 seats each, that's 5,775 seats total. That's not even including that fact that some of SWA's classics only have 122 seats, which would make the number of seat difference even greater. Also, that's not including the fact that SWA might use some of the 800's on some transcon routes or over water routes (ETOPS) which will cost more to the paying passenger. All in all, it looks like a gain and expansion to me.
Yes, 727C47 was right......the sun is actually shining.
You really don't get it, do you. Just because a particular 737 model has more seats does NOT mean that it requires additional staffing (hiring). So your seat capacity growth arguement is great in terms of SWA having more seats to offer in the market, but it doesn't hold any water with regards to needing more pilots. Now if those -800 or the fleet as a whole has increased utilization then they'll need to hire more pilots based on those numbers.
Again, I was not being negative about the whole topic, but simply stating fact. I'm glad the -800s are coming, but it doesn't mean additional hiring despite the increased seats in the market.