Speaking of squandered opportunities for scarce resources, 737s aren't the only consideration. Market share, cancellation rates, etc, aside, competition for qualified pilots is fierce among airlines. Fall SW pilot initial and upgrade deferrals could have been avoided by grabbing the very airframes UAL acquired. Wonder if UAL is deferring classes (unlikely).

I would assume many of those deferred SW poolies might be swimming over to UAL or elsewhere. Why continue to hope for an airline that already has 8-10 year upgrades and would rather turn away candidates vs. buying 19 used airframes to continue its growth agenda? The most attractive feature to most SW guys is the opportunity for overtime income opportunity; I'm hearing that's dried up too due to lack of airframes. So now that limited pool of applicants can expect further deferrals, in the hope of flying outdated narrow body equipment domestically, rough schedules, long upgrades, for less pay. Good news is the upcoming contract negotiation which, based on past experience, is expected to drag on for years.

Hmmm