Sailing,

You say that Pilot productivity is measured in block hours, and I sort of agree with that but think that ultimately revenue is more important. We run the airline to produce revenue not block hours.

Block hours are a means to an end - which is revenue. Part of the reason we fly less block hours is because of our complicated fleet. This complicated fleet also allows us to produce more revenue. You cannot discount the revenue saying that it is because widebodies produce more revenue and then have our inefficiencies count against us - more training, IOE, 4 Pilot rigs etc.

The bottom line is that Delta Pilots on average produce more revenue per year than Southwest Pilots. Yes, part of that is our fleet makeup but that is exactly why Southwest Pilots fly more block hours. One aircraft type greatly increases pilots ability to maximize annual block hours.

Delta Pilots are more efficient at producing revenue than Southwest.

OBTW - The last time I ran this calculation we were much much closer to Southwest - the "revenue gap" is widening.


Scoop

 

I don't have a clever or witty response to this.

Please just try and enjoy this gif instead....

 

Profit and revenue are different animals. We also have the wrong model for the 777. The CEO of British Airways was asked what his biggest single mistake was since taking over. He stated it was not buying every 777-300 he could get his hands on. Profit also varies depending on which route you put a aircraft on. The 777 is locked into very different routes today then it flew in 2001.

 

Most enjoyable!!!

 

I included Delta's total small narrowbody cost number in what I posted. It accounts for most of what you say. The last time I looked at revenue per seat we were very close to southwest in domestic markets. In fact there have been numerous posts stating we are often cheaper then SW. I believe the last time I looked our domestic RASM was within 1 cent per mile of SW.

 

... And I was speaking in context to our industry. I have friends and relatives whose jobs pay way, way more than ours do, and the company provides so many perks that they end up not paying for anything... vacations, first class seats, meals, cars, country club memberships, insurance, even homes. We're a long way from that level of 'appreciation'.

 

Very true. Aside from the MCO turns to keep guys qualified and some Europe stuff, the 777 was always intended to be a ULH platform. JFK/ATL to BOM blocked at 17:55 one way. ATL to DXB, ATL-JNB, etc. 40K + pounds of cargo and full business class is a money generator.

Now, the 777 flies AMS, intra asia, lax, etc. The efficiency is in long haul, not short haul. There are still plenty of ULH legs, but the short stuff dilutes the numbers.

 

^^ Lake Lanier

God bless. Unfortunately women are like puppies, they don't stay young and fun forever.

 

I don't buy it either. It is the operating cost of a 777 vs 747 that makes up the difference. Just no comparison. Many millions of dollars a month difference.

 

Maybe they are subtracting the break times for international pilots.