Originally Posted by block30 (Post 2906024)

You started a whole thread for a rumor?

Originally Posted by greatlake (Post 2906423)

I think the odds are slim that the max won't be certified but if it doesn't, the big 4 will be looking to purchasing a smaller airline to maintain growth.

Originally Posted by KnockKnock (Post 2906442)

Or just order Airbus and Boeing will continue the NG line until another airframe is given the go ahead.

Originally Posted by greatlake (Post 2906450)

Because Airbus doesn't have a bunch of planes sitting around and would take awhile to restart the NG line.

Originally Posted by Big E 757 (Post 2905982)

I heard today, just from a fellow crew member, who knows as much or less than the rest of us, that the 737Max never passed the wind tunnel testing. Some how, the aircraft, by virtue of the big ass engines, was not aerodynamic enough to pass the test?? I don’t even know how it works or what the wind tunnel test proves, or is, or if it’s a certification requirement.

Originally Posted by greatlake (Post 2905680)

Anyone else hearing the rumor that Southwest is looking into buying Alaska if the MAX doesn't get certified?

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 2906276)

DOT has little to do with it, it's DOJ and FTC.

As to the political practicality of an airline merger...

1. Would it result in a merged entity significantly larger than DL or AA (this is a bit nebulous depending on whether you look at revenue or ASMs or even fleet count)?

2. Would it result in a significant monopoly at any big hub or regional market?

If the answer is no, it would likely pass muster with the current administration. #2 could be (and has been) addressed by divesting gates/slots to balance out competition.

Whether it makes business sense is of course a whole 'nother issue. But corporate leaders in general will assume that two smaller companies in the same business can generally achieve cost savings and efficiencies by merging.

I think AS could be acquired by SW, or merge with anyone smaller. I think they could be acquired by UA with west-coast divestitures (not saying that makes sense). Could maybe be acquired by DL, the merged entity would be bigger than AA but not that much bigger.

Originally Posted by Big E 757 (Post 2905982)

I heard today, just from a fellow crew member, who knows as much or less than the rest of us, that the 737Max never passed the wind tunnel testing. Some how, the aircraft, by virtue of the big ass engines, was not aerodynamic enough to pass the test??