Originally Posted by
MatthewAMEL
I just don't get it. Even the graphic they flash on screen shows DEN with the most flights per day of any SWA domicile, but they continue to cut DEN staffing and then go into panic mode when there is no one to cover the inevitable DEN disruptions.
If you look at DEN, they are just moving aircraft that would have normally terminated in DEN, to moving airplanes to the out stations on the overnights. Hence why they will have overnights in HDN and MTJ. That creates less RON’s that causes a need for less pilots in domicile. The percentage of reserves will still be the same. Obviously less bodies but that’s crew plannings call. Basically they are creating a bank of flights(just like other airlines do) of connecting itineraries into that morning bank. It will drive hopefully incremental load factor and hopefully better yields. In the big scheme of things, that’s all that matters in the puzzle palace. DEN will still have more flights than any other domicile in the system. They cut 11 flights a day on average but will have 263 flights a day. It could be worse. Look in ATL. They cut the flights by almost half. Not pretty there.
What I got out of the update was we are hiring. That’s a good thing. It means some future vacancies will be filled by new hires and not displacements. Red eyes are definitely causing the need to add additional pilots for sure plus the red eye RAP’s should be coming soon also. They are creating a lot more connectivity then in years past for the spring schedule. It will interesting to see if it helps them get this place back on its financial footing. The table is set for 2026. All these initiatives they put into place that started this last spring will be fully implemented by March. Wallstreet and the BOD will be watching.