Originally Posted by
corl737
I'm not convinced that a "SWA-Express" unit isn't on the drawing boards even if its not ready to deploy. Since SWA management (not to be confused by pilots) still seem to be more "profit driven" than "ego driven" they may be willing to look into efficiency vs. airframe size. In that vein, Bombardier's new "C-Series" might work to cover both ends of the 100-150 seat market.
... just a guess, of course!
No way. Southwest doesn't play that game. They don't enter a market unless it can handle the traffic of say, 5 destinations for 737s immediately. If the market would only fill a 100 seater, they would either lower prices to fill their jets, or not serve it. The additional cost of a different aircraft type cannot, for Southwest, be made up with higher revenue.
Remember, a different aircraft type comes with all sorts of costs - two sets of maintenance parts, cost to train people on the new jet. Cost to train their replacements on the old jet. Cost to buy simulators. Cost of people in training who aren't generating revenue. Cost to train flight attendants. Possible moving costs of people bidding new jet. Opportunity costs when wrong sized jet is in the right city. Cost to train maintenance personnel, dispatchers, deicering personnel.
It seems like the only airlines making money these days are those who keep it simple.