Sentrido,
I looked at the 10K for 3/12/04, and yep, you're right. Just a bigger mushier number of 5100 Mechanics and Related employees. FWIW, the LUV 10-K (interestingly filed way back on 1/29/04 instead of dawdling until March) breaks it out a little more clearly and declares that there were 1956 maintenance employees as of 12/31/03.
Before someone starts running around hooting that we've got 5100 maintenance compared to LUV's 1956, I reiterate, the 5100 number is a broader category of "Mechanics and Related Employees."
What is interesting is that the LUV 10K reveals a number considerably higher than the number "uza" is insisting upon. Since LUV is in the process of bringing more maintenance IN HOUSE and continues to grow its business, I suspect that this 12/31/03 number has either stayed the same or grown slightly.
Also important to note (ONCE AGAIN): Any analysis of how many mechanics it takes to screw in a light bulb at LUV vs. UAIR has to include the number of outsourced maintenance jobs as well as a handicap for the difference between a rationalized fleet at LUV vs. a eclectic fleet at UAIR.
So, once again I ask, HOW 'BOUT THEM NONLABOR COSTS?
Time to go watch Siegel's webside chat! What new promises and threats will be made? Ooooh the suspense!
-Airlineorphan