Originally Posted by
threeholeblower
Its called Business 101. Expenses, profits and margins. Airlines fly passengers and freight from point A to point B, for profit. Legacy airlines have tremendous overhead fixed costs. Computer reservation systems, ticket counters, gates, jet ways, baggage carts, tugs, Employees, etc. Swift has none of these fixed expenses, but rather contracts them on an as needed basis. Legacy airlines would welcome charter flights, for pre - determined profit margin. Swift under bids other airlines, is awarded contracts and produces greater profit margins than that of a legacy airline due to less overhead. Swift has professional pilots, flying major league aircraft for 1/3 industry standard wages, this adds to their profitability. Legacy airlines do not have that option.! Therefore, legacy airlines avoid unprofitable ventures. That’s Business 101.
Loved that 727, It looked like it was doing 500 miles an hour, chocked on the ramp!
I'm to lazy to look up the post or web site but say 10 years ago a poster was complaining about the legacy airlines underbidding the charter outfits on military charters. Somebody took the time to do a little research and surprise they did not underbid their cost are less. Fuel, ins, maintenance, parts, landing fees, overflight fees, lease and debt and in some cases up to 50% less. Everything but crew cost. If the big guys are not flying charters its because those airplanes are making more money on the line. Most likely why I could fly mostly charters in winter last 10 years of my time . Don't think things have changed much either.
And yes 727 was best ride ever...