"UAL has the cost structuring to compete with the LCC's.....I'm sorry but I can't grasp that."
what part don't you understand? Our lease costs are likely cheaper than SWA's. We don't farm out as much heavy Mx to the lowest bidder, but we have cut the Mech pay roll in half. Our pilots now make about the same (and will make less while SWA gets annual pay increases), and fly larger jets with more seats for the same pay. I'm sure we pay about the same for gas in the same city. About the only thing left is F/A's, and it's looking like by the end of the current "disagreement" with SWA, you will match or surpass UAL's.
You set the bar, and now you are too big to ignore. the majors WILL match your costs, or die. simple as that. I just wish the bar had been set higher.
what part don't you understand? Our lease costs are likely cheaper than SWA's. We don't farm out as much heavy Mx to the lowest bidder, but we have cut the Mech pay roll in half. Our pilots now make about the same (and will make less while SWA gets annual pay increases), and fly larger jets with more seats for the same pay. I'm sure we pay about the same for gas in the same city. About the only thing left is F/A's, and it's looking like by the end of the current "disagreement" with SWA, you will match or surpass UAL's.
You set the bar, and now you are too big to ignore. the majors WILL match your costs, or die. simple as that. I just wish the bar had been set higher.