WN buying AS?
#92
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 69
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#95
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 694
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Can someone explain really quickly cly to an outsider what the ongoing VX/AK beef is all about?
Sure VA was innovative and cool, but it almost didnt get off of the ground! And once it did there was money and leadership trouble. All in all, I think everyone in this industry knew VA wasnt going to last. Right?
Alaska was an old crow and not very “hip”. The customers were different and the demands of mood lighting and innovative IFE wasnt there. Im sure there are some rules/standards that lie in legacy operating logic, but in the end Alaska was not anyones first choice for travel if they werent ultimately going to SE Alaska. Right?
Next thing you know, theres a merge and two different brands are forced to work with each other. Whats the big deal? With this merge weve seen better cabins, a larger network, and a measure of dominant control on west coast market share.
So why is there still a beef? Is this a contract renewal problem or a ‘my company is better than your company!’ problem? I only ask because its ironic that this thread is about merging but the one that already happened is still problematic.
Sure VA was innovative and cool, but it almost didnt get off of the ground! And once it did there was money and leadership trouble. All in all, I think everyone in this industry knew VA wasnt going to last. Right?
Alaska was an old crow and not very “hip”. The customers were different and the demands of mood lighting and innovative IFE wasnt there. Im sure there are some rules/standards that lie in legacy operating logic, but in the end Alaska was not anyones first choice for travel if they werent ultimately going to SE Alaska. Right?
Next thing you know, theres a merge and two different brands are forced to work with each other. Whats the big deal? With this merge weve seen better cabins, a larger network, and a measure of dominant control on west coast market share.
So why is there still a beef? Is this a contract renewal problem or a ‘my company is better than your company!’ problem? I only ask because its ironic that this thread is about merging but the one that already happened is still problematic.
Hopefully with the passage of a new contract that we ALL work together on, the petty b.s. will die down. Until then, standby by to get an earful of why AS or former VX SUX!!!
#96
On Reserve
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 182
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It’s been said many times... the VX guys don’t like being told they were “saved” by the “superior” pilot group of Alaska Airlines. Just look at the above post, saying it was an “acquisition” not a “merger.” Legally speaking it was a merger. Why does this guy even bring up the “acquisition vs merger” argument?
Our displeasure in encountering that attitude manifests itself as a disproportionate defensiveness and sometimes outrage.
Our displeasure in encountering that attitude manifests itself as a disproportionate defensiveness and sometimes outrage.
#97
On Reserve
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 6
The lease expiration schedule for the 53 leased A319/320s is public information as the company has previously disclosed it in investor presentations:
2019 1
2020 2
2021 9
2022 14
2023 18
2024 6
2025 3
The 10 A321NEOs are all on 12 year leases from GECAS with expirations 2029-2031. The 10 newest A320s are owned so they could be sold at any time.
Cheers - Rob.
2019 1
2020 2
2021 9
2022 14
2023 18
2024 6
2025 3
The 10 A321NEOs are all on 12 year leases from GECAS with expirations 2029-2031. The 10 newest A320s are owned so they could be sold at any time.
Cheers - Rob.
#98
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 694
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It’s been said many times... the VX guys don’t like being told they were “saved” by the “superior” pilot group of Alaska Airlines. Just look at the above post, saying it was an “acquisition” not a “merger.” Legally speaking it was a merger. Why does this guy even bring up the “acquisition vs merger” argument?
Our displeasure in encountering that attitude manifests itself as a disproportionate defensiveness and sometimes outrage.
Our displeasure in encountering that attitude manifests itself as a disproportionate defensiveness and sometimes outrage.
First off, neither pilot group had anything to do with this marriage. AS pilots could not have saved VX pilots because we had as much control of the thing as you did. We’re all bystanders.
Second, “legally” speaking, it was an acquisition. AAG purchased VX. The two groups didn’t agree to come together and combine their companies. There was never a discussion of which management group would take the helm. There was never a merger of our boards or combining of our holding groups. The fact that you let that bother you is proof of the tribalism that interferes with our collective progress. Yes, the pilot/FA/MX groups merged and from that comes the feelings of resentment. Some gained seniority some lost seniority. Some gained bases others lost bases.
The VX guys feel stuck with the AS contract and have had no say in the rules they now work under. Some AS guys feel that since the VX guys had no contract to begin with, they shouldn’t be complaining about it. Until we all have equal share in the contract good bad or other, there will remain an us vs. them attitude. I look forward to that day.
#99
Line Holder
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
You just stepped on a hornets nest of opinions! You’ve pretty much got it right. Two little airlines have come together and each side thinks it was better than the other. It’s what happens when you attach your identity to your workplace. Pilots seem to be especially susceptible to this. Mergers, or in this case acquisitions, suck. The majority of pilots get screwed or at least have the perception of being screwed. It’s not unique to AS/VX. There is still much animosity between many pilots that have gone through recent mergers/acquisitions. Many air their grievances here on APC because it’s anonymous and they can sling mud without retribution. Real grown man stuff
Hopefully with the passage of a new contract that we ALL work together on, the petty b.s. will die down. Until then, standby by to get an earful of why AS or former VX SUX!!!
Hopefully with the passage of a new contract that we ALL work together on, the petty b.s. will die down. Until then, standby by to get an earful of why AS or former VX SUX!!!To securing job security and gains in the next CBA!
#100
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,347
Likes: 329
The lease expiration schedule for the 53 leased A319/320s is public information as the company has previously disclosed it in investor presentations:
2019 1
2020 2
2021 9
2022 14
2023 18
2024 6
2025 3
The 10 A321NEOs are all on 12 year leases from GECAS with expirations 2029-2031. The 10 newest A320s are owned so they could be sold at any time.
Cheers - Rob.
2019 1
2020 2
2021 9
2022 14
2023 18
2024 6
2025 3
The 10 A321NEOs are all on 12 year leases from GECAS with expirations 2029-2031. The 10 newest A320s are owned so they could be sold at any time.
Cheers - Rob.
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