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

 

Like doesn't get certified, ever? How is this supposed to work?

 

No, haven’t heard that one

 

What, you really think the MAX is not going to be certified. Really?

 

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.

I heard on the news that United or American was planning flights on the max to resume the first of the year, but with the increased scrutiny focused on the FAA because of this self certify, good old boys club attitude, it might be more difficult than originally planned.

I don’t know, I don’t work for an airline that flies the Max. Just sharing what I heard. I like Steve Dickson, (New head of the FAA). He’s a no nonsense guy and if you can be in charge of 14,000 pilots and rarely have a bad word said about you, you’re an exceptional leader. And that’s what we have. Hopefully the Max issues get worked out and those aircraft get back in the air, soon.

 

We've been hearing rumors on our side (SWA) about Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit and Copa for a few years. In my opinion, not happening but odder things have happened in this industry. Plus I have a hard time believing that the DOT would allow it but just my $.02. The MAX will be back but I don't think that it will be as soon as the media and Boeing is making it out to be. I hope that I'm wrong though.

 

I heard that if you say “Bloody Mary” into the mirror three times.....she appears!

 

You started a whole thread for a rumor?

 

Yea...that never happens!

 

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.