I have a couple of questions for the G4 guys -
1) There is talk of sending the maxes to MSP after the purchase is finalized but before the SOC because MSP is such a hot opportunity. (Set aside the fact that for years we've been hearing that it's not worth it bc the maxes are too expensive, somehow it's suddenly a good deal.) Before this was announced, what was the game plan for the max? I have zero context on the strategy behind those orders.
2) With the ongoing struggle for a modern CBA, are you guys not having bad attrition? How are you making it with so little hiring?
3) Is there limited leverage for negotiations? Our leverage has been largely in CA upgrades. The mix of flying, especially cargo redeyes, has made for some horrendous quality pairings, and our reserve is spectacularly bad, especially when understaffed, so most FOs are just not willing to become a jr captain. The more senior FOs get accustomed to a very cush QOL and are also slow to upgrade. We don't have a serious problem with attrition, just yet. We also have plenty of new hire classes lined up.
Ironically, this announcement has led to a massive influx in panic upgrades which kneecaps some of that leverage. However, we have a few more airplanes coming soon and we are still considerably behind the power curve. Also, as others have hinted at, there are many FOs and jr CAs who have decided to try to leave as soon as they can on account of the acquisition. Whether the Bldg C ppl will leave before the jobs are eliminated, idk.
Piggybacking on other's comments about our unique brand, it's pretty cool what we can do and how profitable we can be while doing it. However, if you start tinkering with what makes it work, you could easily make it a big, unprofitable mess. It's hard to overstate how much of a niche deal we are.
Some of our calls gave me the impression that this purchase is more of a desperation move "we have to do this." SY and G4 have struggling stock prices and somehow this is going to send us to the moon? I think the profitability of the venture is very suspect, but that's another subject.
Sorry about the randomness. As Roger Ball said, there are so many things bouncing around in our minds right now.