word302

Exactly...

PineappleXpres

Wonder If if inter island overnights will come to an end.

Disappointment

Because it's an asset that can be sold and some money made to pay down the acquisition debt. Also eliminates a fleet type with it's associated expenses.

word302

I might agree if we had planes sitting around to replace them with, which we don't. Who do you think would buy them? I doubt Delta would be interested.

GreatBigSea

So, I hope they keep the 717 just for the "artificial" boost in seniority multiple fleets can provide. I do think its safe to assume they will be around at least 3-5 years. AS can't start pulling strings at HA until the merger is consumated, and even then they'll need to take delivery of enough aircraft to cover the seats they'll lose parking the 717 (Its better to start thinking about seats and not airframes when it comes to AS management speak).

I want to point out that the direct quote is "Hawaiian Airlines' 717 maintenance team as one of the largest 717 operators, we are confident we can continue operating the 717 fleet beyond the next five years". They don't say they will. If Alaska decides to replace them with 73s and can get their hands on Max7s or 8s quickly, I wouldn't be surprised to see them accelerate the fleet transition (it'll still be 3-5 years regardless).

But this is all speculation on my part! I hope they stay around for as long as possible and when they are ultimately are replaced, its with a new fleet type like the A220.

Tips for handling the merger..

• Take everything AS management tells you with a grain of salt. Its a dynamic industry and nothing is absolute. A healthy pessimism is good and leads to less disappointment.
• Don't sweat the SLI. Its out of everyones hands and is a long ways off.
• Growth to Alaska is measured in seats not airframes.

word302

The 220 will never happen. It makes 0 sense for that type of flying. When they are replaced it will be with some version of the 73, whether it be old 700s or MAX7s. Everything else you said I completely agree with.

GreatBigSea

I agree on it being 737s, I just think the 220 is a looker and would love to see it in the fleet.

word302

Oh it's beautiful but makes way more sense stateside than inter-island.

TheBear

For the same reason they got rid of all the VX Airbus’ and the same reason all the other LCCs only have one fleet type.

word302

The Virgin Airbus were on terrible lease terms. The 717s are owned. They won't get rid of them until it makes sense financially. Yes they will eventually be replaced but it won't be for years. Again, it's not like we have airplanes sitting around to replace them with.