Whats the rumors over there about us and ya'll?

 

Nothin'. What have you heard?

 

Had a buddy jumpseat on you guys with one of your MD80 check airman, said you guys were going to speed up the process of eliminating them.Check airman at the meeting asked if there was any possible link to SWA for this, some management person responded with, I can't answer anything that might affect our stock price.

 

OT,

Saw Genie One today. Pretty cool paint job.

 

I think that's an idea that could catch on.......eliminating check airman that is

FWIW, I haven't heard anything other than the usual rumors based on conversations with a very well connected non-pilot at Alaska. I wouldn't read too much into the (above) reply as it's a pretty common "non-answer" from management types. The CEO has a responsibility to make an announcement that could affect stock price to all shareholders simultaneously. Most management guys who have been there for more than a week are also pretty good at skirting denial as it's sometimes read as confirmation.

In other words, believe it when you see it in a press release.

 

I have to agree with HSLD about not believing anything until you actually see it, but I just had an interesting conversation with one of our mechanics tonight. He said that Southwest had asked for and received a copy of the maintenance seniority list for Alaska mechanics. He didn't know if any other work group seniority lists had been forwarded, but was drawing the conclusion that it had something to do with merger talks. If we were to be bought by Southwest, which I sincerely hope does not happen (no offense to my SW brothers), it wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to someone's career. Just to note, there have been several times in the past--eight years ago or so--that a buyout was essentially a done deal by American. I personally think the eskimo is safe, but what do I know?

 

I sure as hell hope SW does not merge with Alaska. No offense to anyone.

 

I wonder if Southwest could handle flying in Alaska...its kinda different!

On the business end of things, it would be a smart acquisition. Alaska has the state basically to themselves and a lot of high yield routes. They also would give Southwest access to Hawaii and Mexico. Plus, the fleet commonality, once the maddogs are gone, is a no-brainer.

Now, from what I gathered, it seemed like Alaska and Southwest really didn't like each other. Anyone ever get that feeling?

 

I wish SWA would buy Alaska and clean house.

 

I can tell you that we fly airplane VERY differently. SW flys more legs and flys the airplane much more, how should I say this, casually. Our guys are much more methodical in the way we fly the 737. I'm not taking anything away from SW. They DO have the best safety record. I just think the style is different. It would really be something to see a SW guy and a ALK guy fly together. That said, we can all learn to adapt to other styles.

As far as the merger or buy out, SW is the rich kid. They will call the shots. Alaska is cash rich and an attractive buy at the moment. We would basically snap on to the side of SW without much overlap so I guess it is possible. SW has done it before (Moris) but with ALK, seniority issues would be very complicated. No one is going to buy being stapled. ALK is 75 years old and charter members of ALPA. We've got pensions and until last year, were the best paid. I don't see us getting walk on by SW.

If it happened I could see running ALK separately for many years.