Originally Posted by
redhot
as much as anyone does not want it to happen, it has to happen. The industry materially changed over COVID and the USA does not have the appetite for two ULCC’s. I think a new airline of that scale can make some changes to customer service along with experience. My hope would be to offer actual lower fares while treating people well. I like to think about what Southwest was 15 years ago. That combined company could do just that.
long term viability for both pilot groups is much better together then separate.
it’s not about doubling in size. The ULCCs are the only airlines trying to make money through moving economy passengers. That’s why Barry is always droning on about CASM this, CASM that, .08¢ CASM, blah blah blah. The legacies have figured out moving pax is a side show. It’s a losers game.
Delta makes its money through credit cards, cargo, MRO services, training services, oil wells, premium/business, upgrades, intl. travel, lounges, on top of all the other ancillary fees (bags, Wi-Fi, drinks, etc.).
They also have a large regional network of 50-70 seat rjs that allow them to maintain routes and markets year round, while the ULCCs have to move in and out of markets because they can’t fill a 321 neo during the offseason. They probably run those RJs at a loss, hence why they have a much larger CASM. Again, they don’t care about moving pax.
doublign in size by over paying for a bankrupt company, bloated with debt, while waving a bear paw, and telling pax how much you love them isn’t the panacea you think it is.