Originally Posted by GreenPatures

All makes sense from a business standpoint. Run 717s to a logical conclusion of life, 321s divest as Max's take their routes, 330s divest over longer period at 787s take those routes. 330 should be around for awhile as 787 deliveries are not quick. HA has / had plans to redo the cabins on the 330s, and have started putting in Starlink (I think 2 or 3 have them now, all 321s have them, hope that Alaska continues that program with their new MAXs). 787 no Starlink but that is bc of Boeing and the STC, HA has been pushing for it. That would leave 787, 737 Max and maybe some shorter range 737s, which streamlines the training department, one of HAs big issues. Also, all this talk about displacement we have to remember the company doesn't have to allow a new type rating displacement just bc a senior pilot wants to fly 787 as those are at great expense to the company to retrain, it is of no expense for base displacements of same type as that is on the pilot to figure out the commute / move. There is a significant company training burden and cost to change types.

Originally Posted by Hawaiian 5O

I don't see why that's not possible. Time to start thinking outside the box. One company, one employee group with two different paint jobs on airplanes. The Hawaii operation would be an absolute killer if it was done properly. Sadly for us, the only thing that could've gotten us out of our "on its deathbed 95-year-old business plan" would be a buy out. Our holding company was not going to change course, and the shareholders surprisingly never demanded a change.

Now add the unrealized potential synergies between the two groups. This could be a win-win for everybody - If done right. I'm one of the older, more senior guys that's been through everything at different airlines since before 9/11. I'm actually cautiously optimistic. This could be good for both groups.

I'm one of the guys that think Hawaiian would've done better without the merger, but I also see the upside to this. If your management is as good as you say it is with making money, this is going to be good for all of us. Before I get dog-piled for saying that, no, we were not anywhere close to a bankruptcy. Honestly, I think the absolute worst case scenario for us "might" have been some concessions but DO NOT see that either unless the economy goes into that 2007 recession scenario. My bet - I think our shareholders FINALLY would have forced a change from the top down at the holding company, which would've rectified everything. Again, I'm surprised the shareholders let it get this far.

Anyway, didn't want to go through another merger in my career but I'm happy to be part of your family if this goes through. I honestly think this will be a win-win if done right.

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Seems fair-ish to me too. But the problem is that there'a going to be some re-alignment of fleets. Probably no base closures, but maybe a new base and existing fleets moving to different bases.

What happens when (not if) people get displaced? Who can they bump? Going to need an SLI for that...

Originally Posted by TwOtter

I had read something a few months ago that indicated fences would not include those who started after date of intent for the acquisition (12/3/2023). Does anyone have any real knowledge or a document to cite that would indicate if that is correct or if protections would look at date of closing?

More worried about being displaced off a fleet more than anything else.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by GoodJet

I'm a post VX merger AS pilot. I noted a lot of language devoted to "red circle captains" on seniority lists and position bids. I didn't pay a lot of attention to it but it was some kind of seat protection for certain pilots who were captains during a seniority list snapshot at each airline. I'm not sure how exactly it protected them. It may have protected their seat and base or just their seat. Hopefully, someone that knows the actual definition can help you. Sorry that no one is chiming in about it with specific knowlege. Likely this merger will be different and the "red circle" tool may or may not be used during the SLI.

Originally Posted by GoodJet

I would also add another voice for a lot of skepticism when it comes to OTZeagles posts. He's been about 20% on predictions around happenings at AS. He also seems to represent the worst of the worst at AS. He gloated over FO's getting furloughed during the pandemic. Which never happened.

Also, just like Jim Cramer. You'll make a pile of money investing in the opposite of OTZ's financial advice, specifically stock calls and puts lol.

Originally Posted by Wingnutt

I believe the two entities will be merged into the AS brand after 3 years, tops. Once the Islands are inundated with the Alaska brand and conditioned to seeing Alaska everywhere, those folks working for Alaska that were previously Hawaiian after the acquisition will accept Alaska as the employer etc., as will the flying public. Hawaiian / Alaska culture aside, consumers want value and consistency in the product. It’s in the best interest of AS to eventually glean the synergies of one brand eventually from this acquisition.

Originally Posted by CATIII

If I were King for a day (or CEO)... KLAS base and something on the East Coast.

Originally Posted by rickair7777

I think there's potential recruiting/retention benefit to a domicile in a red or low-tax state. But odds are that a new base will be SAN, it's already a focus city and plenty of pilots live there orr want to love there, regardless of taxes and politics.

Originally Posted by CATIII

Yeah, United figured this out, plus LAS is a very under capacity airport.. and a great launching pad for possible interenational routes, not sure if SAN is any of those.. but I'm thinking of a future of this combined airline that will take on UAL/DAL/AA, not one focued on Southwest as their primary competition.

Originally Posted by GreenPatures

CVG has no plans bc it is either no change or going away. That whole business is driven by Amazon, including new routes, etc. Hawaiian has no input and gets a certain heads up in time for new routes. They just got ETOPS approved and are starting HNL flights, right now I think it is CVG, SBD, JFK, and HNL, HA thinks it will expand to other areas but Amazon makes those decisions in their own and then gives HA a heads up and HA then adjusts to support, very different than probably how ALK freight works, and definitely than both our pax flying. On edit, the first ones have no crew rest area so they are limited on flight time based on this, so I don't expect China or any super long routes for a long time, if at all. They typically fly 5 to 6 day trips, there are many redeyes on the trips.