Midwest / Airtran latest episode
 

Just would like to see if there are any Midwest or Airtran pilots out there that would like to give their opinion on the latest news regarding the most recent offer from Airtran to merge the two carriers. How do you think this will affect the pilots at both carriers?

my buddy at airtran says if they don't get midwest he'll get recalled to american before being able to upgrade at airtran. he's ex-twa so he's got a long way to go before being recalled. that's his take on what it will be like w/o midwest.

So does this mean that if your friend stays at Airtran he is looking at a shorter upgrade time? Does he like it there?

not shorter, just in line with how it has been going. he used to go on and on about how good the LCC's were until he worked for one.

What is the upgrade time at AirTran? Do you know if you can be assigned to the 737 as a new hire or is it straight to the 717 for everyone?

I've heard it's been a mix of both...obviously the 73 trips with SFO/LAX/LAS/SEA vs. MCO/DFW/MLI etc on the 717 side appeal to different people...

I've been working Ops at AirTran for a while and pilots with hire dates after me(May of 2004) have upgraded recently....and I've seen some changes from 717 FO to 737's too

I went to the Air Inc conference this weekend. Got to talk to several of the AirTran folks. They were pretty enthusiastic about the company and, based on their opinions, "it's just a matter of time before the Midwest buyout happens." They base this on two things- AirTran now owns 57% of Midwest, and they are putting 3 AirTran people on the Midwest board of directors later this year (not sure when- I seem to recall this summer).

Also, class seniority is based on age- older guys win. There's a mix of 717 and 737 in each class. They're also taking delivery of more 737s and looking to buy several 717s from an Australian airline.

Overall, I think it would be a great opportunity to fly for them, with a reasonable chance for upgrade within 5 years.

Stetson20

They do NOT own 57% of midwest, you misunderstood.

57% of YX shares have been tendered to FL, but tendering doesn't mean that FL owns those shares. FL has also nominated people for the three spots open on the YX board, the election is coming up, and they are not guaranteed to win those seats.

TRS531,

I've always held Airtran in high regard because of there successful business plan.

Since you are in Ops, would you mind giving some insight on how Airtran weighs particular items (i.e., college, military, etc.). My background includes a college degree, military officer, and management experience. My times are a long way out, but trying to plan ahead.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

V/R,
Apollo