Originally Posted by
CGfalconHerc
It's important to the locals in SEA. That's why AS is "proudly all Boeing". I think we'd be foolish not to become "the biggest 787 operator out of SEA", which would help with gate acquisition and a new customs facility. We'd fly 330's and 350's out of SEA too, but I think the 787 has a lot of "intangible" qualities beyond price and performance.
Jmho..
I have to disagree with you and sailing. I have had an intimate relationship with Seattle since the Boeing 747 depression and these billboards were around town.
This region has changed a lot. Most people couldn't identify a Boeing or an Airbus on the ramp or airborne. They can tell you if it's an Alaska jet. Additionally, many wouldn't know what a Delta plane looked like if you covered up the name on the fuselage. They care about price and not getting the middle seat.
Acquiring gates, customs facilities, landing slots, etc are collective business decisions just as purchasing airplanes are.
RA is a great businessman and negotiator. Look how skilled the company managed C12k if you have any doubts. He will not over pay for any airplane, or chose a substandard one over a better performing one, to curry favor when in reality none needs to be curried. It's not good business. It's also not in the game theory matrix.
That all being said, I do continually scratch my head when I get in a 900.