This, this, a thousand times, this.

AS has consistently maintained that to be competitive, a cost advantage is required. And they've never aspired to offer industry-best pay; it's more about offering pay/benefits that are competitive, but attracting employees who truly want to be part of the company vs. just being in it for the pay.

They've been successful at that for the most part. Will it change with the pilot shortages? Possibly.

And possibly not.

But for the life of this new agreement, AS has managed to lock in a notable cost advantage over AA/DL/UA/WN.