Opinions wanted... Which airline would you say, currently is the healthiest?

[fam62c]

If Spirit can improve its image of "terrible service but cheap tickets" they could really hurt the competition (i.e. SWA)

There will always be a place for an airline that offers the cheapest tickets and can do it profitably, that's what built SW. Spirit has a lot of potential if they keep doing what they are doing. Rapid growth will keep the costs down, again, the same model SW used in it's heyday before it got too big to grow at double digit rates. Right now Spirit can enter most markets and set ticket prices at a level where they can be profitable and their competitors can not if they match the fares, that's a powerful competitive advantage.

 

[densoo]

In the U.S. legacy category--Delta.

 

[Jim]

...that means new hires this year are in the left seat in 4-5 years.

Left seat for right seat pay. Spirit pilots need to ensure some of that profit is redirected into their contract. They made a great start last time and I hope they can continue the trend with their next contract.

 

[JonnyKnoxville]

FedEx, UPS?

 

[SAABaroowski]

Left seat for right seat pay. Spirit pilots need to ensure some of that profit is redirected into their contract. They made a great start last time and I hope they can continue the trend with their next contract.

It didnt help that airlines like Continental, United & Us Airways had horrible pay rates in 2010 when our contract was ratified. You're right though, hopefully we can get huge gains..........

 

[ROSWELL41]

Spirit is probably the healthiest pound for pound in the U.S. market. Delta is probably the healthiest legacy carrier although they are carrying a lot of debt. SWA may be the financially strongest large U.S. carrier.

In regard to Spirit's contract, yes, their A320 pay rates are middle of the road (better than US Air's current contract). Their work rules are superior in most ways to all legacy carriers and most LCC's (save for some parts of SWAs and FedExs contracts). Their retirement could use some enhancement as they have no B fund or profit sharing.

 

[ron burgundy]

The one that hasn't started up yet!

 

[Flyby1206]

The one that hasn't started up yet!

Oh god, lets hope there are no more startups. More consolidation and pricing power for the 4-5 airlines left!