Originally Posted by
Elvis90
Yeah, and the analysts were still bullish on Delta I believe. Hence the stock rebounding today. A fare war with Delta in Atlanta? Are you kidding?
Not kidding ... but this keeps Southwest's image in place.
Orland based AirTran convinced the Atlanta O&D market that they were Atlanta's "hometown airline." When Delta would sponsor teams, AirTran would get the star players to advertise for them. While Delta of off pursuing the 12% of Atlanta residents who are gay, AirTran made 100% of Atlanta residents happy with the Coral Reef exhibit at the Atlanta Aquarium.
Cash fat Southwest can afford to bring a fight to cash strapped Delta. That's the competitive advantage of having very little debt.