Originally Posted by
BobZ
Doubtful the carrot of HI was primary sway for anyone who bid the category on an AE. The opportunity of joining a growing fleet, and the multipliers offered in any new category opening were likely equally attractive considerations. The MD awardees likely arrived as a default resulting from other priorities, considerations, and opportunities.
one sales pitch unknown is how large the LAX320 category will eventually become. characterized as 'substantially' larger than the initial staffing level. Given HI has limited traffic to occupy what will end up being a fleet predominated by 321NEOs economically suited to longer stage length service, it is possible the category will grow substantially to staff longer mid continent, transcon, and central America service.
Then again.....they may just fly the time out of ATL.
Agreed, the HI carrot probably wasn't the big draw. The financial upside that can be captured in a new category was a bigger attraction. Also being part of a growing fleet has some appeal. I still think the potential for redeye flying, like the 73N and 7ER categories was overlooked by quite a few bidders.