Midwest pilot lock-out by Republic Teamsters
10-21-2009 | 09:30 AM
#21
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OK, if you want to wait of F9 or the integration deal may take 4-5 more months, then write a LOA to cover the Midwest pilots going to the unemployment line. It would only help most senior guys that will be integrated high at the New Republic.
ps. Just so you know. It would not help me, but it's the FAIR thing to do.
10-21-2009 | 11:05 AM
#22
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Look, I try to keep things positive with the Midwest folks, Lord knows none of us here want you guys on the street.
But seriously, you need to go spend your time doing something more constructive. Your constant whining and *****ing about the Republic Pilots is annoying, childish and degrades any respect for yourself or those you speak of on your behalf.
Legally, you don't have rights to any flying. Bedford owns your operating certificate, he owns your routes. They aren't yours anymore. If you're so convinced that you are entitled to any of that flying, then go get a Cessna 310, pull it up to the gate in MKE and go do your Midwest flying. Just make sure you have the cookies nice and warm. All you have left is a Union (just as weak as the IBT mind you) and the prospect of a job at Republic. Guess what? Thats what happens when companies can't keep black ink in the books.
You need to face reality, and that includes the reality that the Republic pilots are not doing this to you or your co-workers. Bryan Bedford and his management team are. The IBT union is a joke, no surprise. Our own EXCO won't even communicate any info about integration. The majority of Republic pilots are not happy with the IBT or with Bedford's decision. But there's nothing we can do until a new Union is in place.
I'm telling you man, you're in the wrong position to be wanting to pick fights with Republic pilots.....we have no say in this and the only thing you're going to do is create tension in the cockpit down the road when the Midwest pilots are on the roster, and that does nobody good. Channel your frustration through your union, not our pilot group.
10-21-2009 | 04:55 PM
#23
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Interesting article...
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter
Bio | 
E-mail | News tips
AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter
Bio | E-mail | News tips AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
"Midwest over a 20-year period of time did a great job in the local market, and the community really rallied around them. "Republic's not going to fool anybody. I mean, Midwest is gone. You can call it what you want, but any business traveler in that part of the country knows that what used to be Midwest doesn't exist.
"And I think that's an advantage. They have no hometown advantage, and that now gives us an opportunity to make some in-roads in the local market."
Republic concluded its purchase of Midwest on July 31 from Fort Worth-based TPG Capital. On Oct. 1, it acquired Frontier Airlines. Republic jets have been replacing Midwest's previous fleet."And I think that's an advantage. They have no hometown advantage, and that now gives us an opportunity to make some in-roads in the local market."
AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
"We've been in Milwaukee since 2002 and really have been developing the network steadily over time since then. I think one of the key pieces is we have the cost structure to be able to compete really with both Republic as well as Southwest, and we have a product that, beyond just I think as being superior, is consistent. We have the jets in the key markets and Wi-Fi on every flight and such. "So, we've been at it for a very long time. As we've said initially, we've built the leisure base, carry an awful lot of people there, now number two in terms of carriers in the marketplace and now are expanding into the business markets as you noted and I think we're very well positioned and feel real good about how we're doing."
10-21-2009 | 07:26 PM
#24
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Interesting article...
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter
Bio | E-mail | News tips AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
"Midwest over a 20-year period of time did a great job in the local market, and the community really rallied around them. "Republic's not going to fool anybody. I mean, Midwest is gone. You can call it what you want, but any business traveler in that part of the country knows that what used to be Midwest doesn't exist.
"And I think that's an advantage. They have no hometown advantage, and that now gives us an opportunity to make some in-roads in the local market."
Republic concluded its purchase of Midwest on July 31 from Fort Worth-based TPG Capital. On Oct. 1, it acquired Frontier Airlines. Republic jets have been replacing Midwest's previous fleet.AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
"We've been in Milwaukee since 2002 and really have been developing the network steadily over time since then. I think one of the key pieces is we have the cost structure to be able to compete really with both Republic as well as Southwest, and we have a product that, beyond just I think as being superior, is consistent. We have the jets in the key markets and Wi-Fi on every flight and such. "So, we've been at it for a very long time. As we've said initially, we've built the leisure base, carry an awful lot of people there, now number two in terms of carriers in the marketplace and now are expanding into the business markets as you noted and I think we're very well positioned and feel real good about how we're doing."
Of course Airtran will take as many shots as possible at Republic. Do you think their CEO really gives two smelly turds about you and your pilot group? Its all about the money. Republic will go head to head with Airtran now, and they're scared. They think making public statements about Midwest being "gone" will sway travellers into choosing Airtran.
Of course Airtran is fearful of the competition, we fly E-jets for much less. People don't care whose name is on the side of the plane, its all about the ticket price. Republic could price themselves so much lower than Airtran and pack every flight. Airtran knows it.
Time to put aside the pilot groups and their own perspectives and see it for what it is - pure business. You and I mean nothing in the aviation business world.....but you should already know that, having been a "mainline" pilot and all.
10-21-2009 | 09:03 PM
#27
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Interesting article...
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips
AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
AirTran offers an opinion on Midwest Airlines
5:50 PM Wed, Oct 21, 2009 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter
Bio | E-mail | News tips AirTranAirways thinks the Midwest Airline we all know and love is gone, now that the brand is owned by Republic Airways Holdings.
AirTran chairman, president and CEO Robert Fornaro said Midwest is now "just a name." He had this to say when the subject of Milwaukee came up during Wednesday's conference call with analysts to discuss earnings:
"Midwest over a 20-year period of time did a great job in the local market, and the community really rallied around them. "Republic's not going to fool anybody. I mean, Midwest is gone. You can call it what you want, but any business traveler in that part of the country knows that what used to be Midwest doesn't exist.
"And I think that's an advantage. They have no hometown advantage, and that now gives us an opportunity to make some in-roads in the local market."
Republic concluded its purchase of Midwest on July 31 from Fort Worth-based TPG Capital. On Oct. 1, it acquired Frontier Airlines. Republic jets have been replacing Midwest's previous fleet."And I think that's an advantage. They have no hometown advantage, and that now gives us an opportunity to make some in-roads in the local market."
AirTran lost a bidding war for Midwest several years ago. Snubbed, it set out to build a sizeable operation of its own in Milwaukee, home of Midwest.
In the 12 months ended July 31, 2009, AirTran was the biggest carrier at Milwaukee, carrying 19.0 percent of passengers compared to 16.3 percent for Midwest Airlines. However, independent of Midwest, Republic carried 8.8 percent of the traffic, and codeshare partner Northwest Airlines carried 15.0 percent of the passengers.
On Nov. 1, Southwest Airlines will also enter the Milwaukee market, bringing in some new competition.
AirTran CFO Arne Haak said AirTran is "solidly profitable in Milwaukee," while Midwest has had "some pretty disappointing margins, if you look at kind of where their pre-tax margins were for the first six months of the year."
We also have these comments from Kevin Healy, AirTran's senior vice president of marketing and planning:
"We've been in Milwaukee since 2002 and really have been developing the network steadily over time since then. I think one of the key pieces is we have the cost structure to be able to compete really with both Republic as well as Southwest, and we have a product that, beyond just I think as being superior, is consistent. We have the jets in the key markets and Wi-Fi on every flight and such. "So, we've been at it for a very long time. As we've said initially, we've built the leisure base, carry an awful lot of people there, now number two in terms of carriers in the marketplace and now are expanding into the business markets as you noted and I think we're very well positioned and feel real good about how we're doing."
10-22-2009 | 05:20 AM
#28
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Of course Airtran will take as many shots as possible at Republic. Do you think their CEO really gives two smelly turds about you and your pilot group? Its all about the money. Republic will go head to head with Airtran now, and they're scared. They think making public statements about Midwest being "gone" will sway travellers into choosing Airtran.
Of course Airtran is fearful of the competition, we fly E-jets for much less. People don't care whose name is on the side of the plane, its all about the ticket price. Republic could price themselves so much lower than Airtran and pack every flight. Airtran knows it.
Time to put aside the pilot groups and their own perspectives and see it for what it is - pure business. You and I mean nothing in the aviation business world.....but you should already know that, having been a "mainline" pilot and all.
Of course Airtran is fearful of the competition, we fly E-jets for much less. People don't care whose name is on the side of the plane, its all about the ticket price. Republic could price themselves so much lower than Airtran and pack every flight. Airtran knows it.
Time to put aside the pilot groups and their own perspectives and see it for what it is - pure business. You and I mean nothing in the aviation business world.....but you should already know that, having been a "mainline" pilot and all.
Are you talking about pilot pay?
Because AirTran and Southwest have a better CASM (cost per seat mile) then the numbers I've seen from Republic. I think that is why Frontier is being brought into Milwaukee to compete on routes flown by SWA/Airtran.
Have you noticed that pilot pay is a small piece of the pie?
What's why these airlines pay industry wages and still have the lowest CASM.
10-22-2009 | 06:59 AM
#29
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Are you talking about pilot pay?
Because AirTran and Southwest have a better CASM (cost per seat mile) then the numbers I've seen from Republic. I think that is why Frontier is being brought into Milwaukee to compete on routes flown by SWA/Airtran.
Have you noticed that pilot pay is a small piece of the pie?
What's why these airlines pay industry wages and still have the lowest CASM.
Because AirTran and Southwest have a better CASM (cost per seat mile) then the numbers I've seen from Republic. I think that is why Frontier is being brought into Milwaukee to compete on routes flown by SWA/Airtran.
Have you noticed that pilot pay is a small piece of the pie?
What's why these airlines pay industry wages and still have the lowest CASM.
Republics CASM hasn't really been seen yet. Give it time. But don't you think there's a reason Airtran is taking shots at Republic? Do you think Airtran really cared about your Midwest brand and hometown airline?
And, if pilot pay is such a small piece of the pie (which I agree with you on btw), then why were you and other Midwest pilots pointing fingers at the Republic pilots for undercutting your wages and stealing your jobs?
If pilot pay really didn't matter, as you say, than wasn't your argument null?
10-22-2009 | 07:10 AM
#30
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Of course Airtran will take as many shots as possible at Republic. Do you think their CEO really gives two smelly turds about you and your pilot group? Its all about the money. Republic will go head to head with Airtran now, and they're scared. They think making public statements about Midwest being "gone" will sway travellers into choosing Airtran.
Of course Airtran is fearful of the competition, we fly E-jets for much less. People don't care whose name is on the side of the plane, its all about the ticket price. Republic could price themselves so much lower than Airtran and pack every flight. Airtran knows it.
Time to put aside the pilot groups and their own perspectives and see it for what it is - pure business. You and I mean nothing in the aviation business world.....but you should already know that, having been a "mainline" pilot and all.
Of course Airtran is fearful of the competition, we fly E-jets for much less. People don't care whose name is on the side of the plane, its all about the ticket price. Republic could price themselves so much lower than Airtran and pack every flight. Airtran knows it.
Time to put aside the pilot groups and their own perspectives and see it for what it is - pure business. You and I mean nothing in the aviation business world.....but you should already know that, having been a "mainline" pilot and all.
You will not be able to compete with Southwest and Airtran. You can have cheap pilots all you want but crew costs are such a low percentage of CASM that it's not worth talking about. The only way will be to bring in 30+ Airbuses to MKE and MCI. Every route you compete with either carrier with a EMB you lose. The only way Midwest was able to compete with higher CASM's from the seating situation was to provide awesome service. From the past year of flying on Republic aircraft it's obvious that you can't even come close to the service of the real Midwest. People are noticing that you are the same cattle car airline that provides the bare minimum of service. You can't just tell your employees to be nice and expect them to provide real service. You need to recruit those people and train them to provide real service.
One question. Has anyone actually bought a meal on a republic operated Midwest flight? I've flown around 50 legs and I haven't seen one yet. The FA's advertise it over the PA but they have never asked anyone if they want one during their service. You know this service was profitable back when the real Midwest provided it. Are your FA's just too lazy? Your FA's realize that these meals are trashed if not bought right? I'm not an expert in sales but I believe studies have shown that sales increase if you actually ask someone if the would want something.
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