Originally Posted by
REF 5
Red eyes have its place. Definitely helps but SWA has the smallest connection footprint of the big three and ALK. Specifically, DEN is unique because of the many destinations it offers. It lends itself to more connectivity. Most of the Max 7’s SWA will get at least for the next couple of years will be mostly replacement of 700’s. Until fuel prices moderate, capacity growth will take a back seat. Only what’s necessary. Hawaii has garbage yields compared to the system average. Always has been. Ask Hawaiian. No matter what the product is. any new Hawaii service will be at places that SWA has a good amount of market share. SLC and PDX do not fit in that category and would be crushed by Delta and Alaska. Both those airports have massive connections from SWA competitors. Which means SWA would have to fight for O&D traffic. Unfortunately most of the other cities that SWA has a major footprint, SWA doesn’t have the airplane to do that kinda of range.
SLC consistently has the most connections to/from Hawaii on our existing service. I’ve seen upwards of 30 on a single flight. Don’t under estimate our companion pass as a selling feature for those families sending kids to BYU in Hawaii…
PDX…if united thinks it can compete on red eyes to all of its bases, SWA can compete to Hawaii.
Got some serious fear of competition here today! Where is that warrior spirit? 😂