Originally Posted by David Puddy

Well, it's about time! I say buy BOTH JB and Breeze (make Dave Neeleman really happy!) and double down on the A220 for future fleet growth - including forcing Airbus to finally build the proposed stretched A220 (the A220-500). The economics on the proposed A220-500 would be unmatched in that seat category - better ASM than both the A320 NEO and the 737 MAX 7 & 8. The merged airline should be the launch customer for the stretched version. It sounds like Airbus has been working hard to improve the supply chain issues associated with the A220.

Buying both JB and Breeze will immediately reduce fleet risk related to Boeing and it would provide more gate access to critical business centers like JFK & BOS. I assume the SWA board wants to add more high-margin business travelers to the SWA passenger mix, and JB would provide access to more business-focused markets. Buying Breeze would take out a low-cost competitor and provide immediate access to a desirable fleet type that SWA already knows well after it's evaluation of the A220. And logically, future combined fleet should focus on scaling the A220 (300/500), A321 NEO and B737 MAX (if certified & available) fleets over time.

So, those are my initial thoughts - fingers crossed that we see some strategic moves like this soon! And your lower backs will thank me once you move out of the B737 with those awful cockpit seats!