Apparently F9s second large order starting in 2022 will be Pratt powered NEOs. So that will squash the “we have different engines” nay sayers.

F9 guy here. That may be true, from what I’ve heard, but it may not be. There have been some very large issues with the Leap 1a engines as far as longevity is concerned that have perhaps soured the relationship with GE. Lots of overhauls and engine replacements long before advertised time.

pratts have had tons of issues..regardless i see zero chance of a merger until 3-5 years after f9 gets their ipo done

Is a publicly held company not able to buy a private company? I don’t get why people make that argument.

indigo makes its money by doing the ipo, propping up the stock price, then selling. exactly what they did with spirit.

Indeed, as Halon says, selling the private co to a public entity is a valid VC exit, with lower overall cost than launching an IPO.

Then come the logistics - seniority list mergers and contract negs.... ughhhh

Would a merger induce headaches for us absolutely
Look at the long term gains though.
A 400-500 airplane ULCC monster that would have the absolute lowest CASM in the industry and probably some of the highest profit margins.
The negotiating power of 6-7000 pilots also couldn’t hurt.
I for one would happily set aside a few years of QOL and seniority for the longer term security and viability of the power house the two airlines would become.
Thats just me though, and after all we know most (not all) pilots seem to be selfish and shortsighted.

agreed
.........

Care what you wish for......... mergers ain’t fun ☠️

Nobody said it would be fun but two ALPA carriers with very similar wages and flying pretty much the same equipment... tHat doesn’t seem all that bad. Take the best of the work rules from each group.

the hard part would be the paint job. A fleet of green airplanes maybe? Not Shrek green but maybe a little darker. To appeal to the environmentally sensitive folks?
;)