AS takes over teh "nerd bird"

[Dont call me Shirley]

http://www.alaskasworld.com/newsroom/asnew...0622_093644.asp

Alaska Airlines Announces New San Jose-Austin Service
Carrier also adds flight between Portland and San Jose

6/22/2009 9:37 a.m.


SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines announced today it will inaugurate daily service between San Jose, Calif., and Austin, Texas, starting Sept. 2, 2009. The new flight will be available for purchase starting Thursday, June 25, at alaskaair.com and by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).

Earlier this year, Alaska announced plans to link Seattle and Austin with a daily roundtrip flight starting Aug. 3, 2009......

 

[MAH4546]

So if AA can't make it work with massive corporate contracts and very established FF'er base in both cities how can Alaska? Or is AA just chopping flights to speed MD-80 retirement?

Alaska has a very low-cost structure; AA's is the worst in the industry thanks to high labor costs that AA has been unable to lower.

All Alaska Airlines flights earn AA miles and EQMs, even when not booked with the AA* codeshare, so AA passengers will still benefit from the new flights.

 

[formeraa]

Alaska has a very low-cost structure; AA's is the worst in the industry thanks to high labor costs that AA has been unable to lower.

All Alaska Airlines flights earn AA miles and EQMs, even when not booked with the AA* codeshare, so AA passengers will still benefit from the new flights.

Interesting! I think that AS looks very closely at dropped AA markets -- particularly involving West Coast destinations.

That being said, it is clear that AA is going to have to do something about high labor costs and, it seems, acquiring a slightly smaller aircraft for serving some of the thinner routes.

 

[formeraa]

As the economy recovers, I expect a 2nd daily flight -- late afternoon SJC departure and morning AUS departure -- using a 73G.

 

[FA Mikey]

acquiring a smaller AC will increase the costs. Dropping thinner markets is a viable option.

 

[eolesen]

So they're not only going to backfill AA, but they'll also grab loyal DL and CO customers in the process... AS participates in all three of those FF schemes, plus another half dozen international programs.

 

[FlyUs]

Alaska has a very low-cost structure; AA's is the worst in the industry thanks to high labor costs that AA has been unable to lower.

All Alaska Airlines flights earn AA miles and EQMs, even when not booked with the AA* codeshare, so AA passengers will still benefit from the new flights.

Most of the work groups haven't had a raise in years! If u can't afford to pay your employees a decent wage then don't fly the route.