Similar news article . . . .
 

. . . . this one from the Wall Street Journal

Boeing Swings to a Profit - WSJ.com

Newsflash.......Most transport a/c are pretty boring. If you want eye-watering, go fly an Extra 300 or T-38.

Most are rather boring, but the 75 is quite an entertaining ride, but any ride is when doing a more difficult approach, such as ones to LGA, DCA, and SNA.
I wonder, also, what SWA will use for their next-generation a/c. Maybe if Boeing can get the 737NG to be a bit more efficient, that could help, but what people don't realize, is that it is already an efficient a/c, and doesn't need much improving. It's the top of what is efficient in that category. I dislike, however, the "757 replacements" that are offered, I think nothing can ever replace them. Except for another 75. I do wonder, what if SWA dumped their 73s when the 75's came out, and only had those, I'd love to see those racing around Sky Harbor, due to their, what seems like very quick taxi speeds.

Taxi speed issues again! Please note that our speeds are no faster than 30 kts. on a straight away and 10-15 in a turn. If you have issues with that please complain to the FAA and maybe they will put a governor (sp?) on our aircraft while on the ground. If I hear another "no faster than a brisk walk" I might puke.

The Oscar

Thankfully, SWA pilots understand that a commercial aircraft is only making money for the company, its shareholders, all its employees (particularly including its pilots) when that aircraft is MOVING. SWA aircraft average 6.25 flights per day or almost 11 hours and 45 minutes per day. There are many, many reasons why SWA continues to be profitable and provide the excellent QOL and compensation for its flight crews. Many of these reasons are missed by most other airlines. (Thankfully, ;))

As to the "safety" critics out there regarding taxi speeds or any other issue, here you go:

All statistics obtained from the FAA, the NTSB and the US Dept. of Transportation.

Five Year Average from Jan. 1 2004 to Jan 1, 2009. The FIRST column number is Accidents per 1,000,000/ Takeoffs. The SECOND column number is Incidents per 1,0000,000 Takeoffs:

AA . . . . . . .4.1 . . . . . . .2.2
CAL . . . . . . 3.4 . . . . . . .4.6
DAL . . . . . . 3.1 . . . . . . .3.8
SWA . . . . . .2.6 . . . . . . .1.5
UAL . . . . . . 5.7 . . . . . . .6.5
AWE . . . . . .0.5 . . . . . . .2.4

Of course SWA's jets are being safe at any taxi speed, just as any other airline's jets are. It is actually a good thing that your jets are operated at what seems like faster than average speeds, as it makes a faster turnaround time, thus, you can operate another few flights per day, leading to increased profits.

Wolfie,

I apologize if my reply seemed harsh towards you. I just know that when taxi speeds and SWA are mentioned at the same time it usually means that critical commentary will follow. It still might because some folks can't seem to restrain themselves.

The Oscar

or the 727 at ferry weights (empty)on a cold winters night,and your packing -17s.