LuvJockey

SWA rolling into ATL with 300 flights by 2012. How does 100 cities served by a low cost carrier from the fortress hub affect DAL's hub and spoke model?

Phuz

it doesn't change delta's hub-and-spoke model one bit. I dont even understand why you think it would.

Better question; How does it affect SWA's "point-to-point" model?

80ktsClamp

The "rebels" of the industry are looking like what they claim they are not these days.

The thing I'm most worried about is the amount of kitten deaths that will occur. I hear you guys are contracting to build a mayan style temple in place of the ramp 3/4 tower to take care of the additional sacrifices needed. Clark Howard has volunteered to be the priest to oversee the process.

ronnie75

...........

Bucking Bar

Luv,

• Delta is lower cost than SWA.
• SWA is a hub and spoke carrier. Look at a statistical model of their traffic flows.
• SWA is out of ideas for organic growth.
• SWA buying AirTran removes Delta's low cost competition in Atlanta.
• SWA does not understand Atlanta politics (better hope AirTran had some long term leases).
• If Delta leapfrogs the 737's efficiency with their narrow body replacement, SWA is going to have a significant cost problem.

As Boyd put it just today:



But, as your post points out, perceptions are different than reality.

No where is this more true than in the perceptions of customers. Clark Howard, an Atlanta radio announcer stated it was like his wedding day and birth day all came together with SWA's announcement. Atlanta doesn't seem to support their home town industry like you think they would.

SWA is VERY good at marketing their brand. Delta's biggest challenge is going to be making itself look as good as it truly is. When 80% of the passengers ride a different airline to get to, or from, their Delta flight it makes it impossible for Delta's passengers to clearly identify the product.

nwaf16dude

So, do you really think SWA is still an LCC? If so, how about after you bring all the Air Tran employees up to SWA rates?

It will be fun to watch SWA trying to operate in ATL. I don't see alot of 40mph taxiing or intersection takeoffs happening Seriously though, I think SWA is making a mistake by taking the biz class seats out of the AT jets.

I expect you'll see an aggressive Delta response against SWA, and not limited to ATL. It would be good to remember that a lot of Northwest people are in power at Delta now. Northwest was famous for aggressively defending their hubs. Delta did a pretty good job with that in SLC as well. One thing for sure... a long fare war won't be good for any of us operators, so I hope it settles out pretty quick.

I think ATL is really a diversion by SWA. The really interesting piece is what SWA is quietly trying to accomplish in New York.

Justdoinmyjob

How well did SWA do against Delta in SLC? What was the max number of flights you had there before pulling back? Expect more of the same in ATL. Plus, the ramps you will be operating from are already clogged up with RJs. Keep in mind, everyone else gets paid by the minute, so there is no incentive to taxi fast, or get out of people's way.

Boogie Nights

They could broadcast it live WSB "AM 750 and NOW 95.5 FM"
Maybe Dave Ramsey could give Delta advice on picking up a second hand temple from somewhere south of the border. Bob Barker could throw a pitch in for controlling the pet population by having your pets spay or nuetered.

satchip

Yeah, but the funny thing is it will be all those AAI FOs that got quick upgrades because of the SLI arbitration flying those Shamus in the A T L.

I wonder how long it will take for some Luv jockey to get up on two wheels while taking the V loop and 50kts?

MILPILOT17

Not long. Can't wait for reality to kick in! It's going to be priceless.