sqwkvfr

Not that I'm trying to defend some of the company's methods, but they did say that it would be upwards of $50 million to complete D checks (JB also mentioned engine costs) for the 757 fleet.

I'd have dumped them, too.

full of luv

That was sure as he$# one commitment to the Hawaii market.

"As long as we can take these old, beat up ETOPS jets and undercut the market with cheap labor and questionable mx practices, were in"

"oh, you mean that running an airline means periodic investment in newer equipment or employees..... well, see ya"

rokgpsman

yes, I've wondered why they weren't picking up replacement 757's (or other models) the last couple of years that still had a few years of time left on them, like the first group they bought. It's not like the expensive inspections are a surprise, they knew they were due down the road when they bought the planes. Having replacement aircraft would have allowed the Hawaii flights to continue. Either there just aren't anymore of those aircraft to be bought for low enough price, or there were other problems with the Hawaii service and they just decided to bail. Seems like Hawaii would be one of the vacation resort destinations Allegiant would want to service, many people dream of a vacation to that island, consider it the holy grail of vacation spots. In a year of record profits you'd think they could have found replacement aircraft and kept the Hawaii flights going, I suspect there are other things that factored heavily into the decision.

Vegaspilot

I was told that SH was asked directly why they don't invest in newer Airbus that are ETOPS and mainland to Hawaii capable and would allow for one fleet type. The response was we don't buy new, not our MO and the used market is too good at this time. No long term vision whatsoever.

tailendcharlie

Too much competition = pressure on fares. Virgin American just started, Southwest probably soon. Too much investment for what amounts to a couple routes.

Frankly I think all this was foreseeable 6 years ago when they started this.

full of luv

Funny because there's been stories in the press lately about how a slightly used 777 has a list price of $10million, but the Delta CEO thinks they can be had for a couple of million if just a little patient.

MD80driver2day

You realize that ETOPS is non transferable, right? Adding a new or old ETOPS Airbus will require a new ETOPS application. Doesn't matter if they do it today or in 2 years.... It's the same process.

If you listened to JB, the market no longer makes sense for the company in addition to the heavy checks coming due. Those upset over this should be more familiar with how the company operates.

I would rather work for a company that knows how to allocate resources properly than continue to do the status quo just because. G-d knows this is one of the only things we do right.

Sucks for those that moved to Hawaii, but moving to a new base is always risky.

freightdog

Well said.

Vegaspilot

I did not know it requires a new ETOPS application, my bad. You'd think it'd be easier than starting over however. I agree that the company is good at allocating its resources, but I'm tired of working for a company that doesn't value its employees, constantly tries to undermine our union and its leadership, without fail will step over a dollar to pick up a dime and more than anything puts dividends ahead of the operation and MX. As of the late the good is far outweighed by the bad. And before you say to just quit if you don't like it, believe me I'm working on it.

eagleatr

I think it was inevitable from the time it started that the Hawaii service was not going to last. They never knew what they wanted to do with it, and they didn't make as much money from it as they thought they should.

I also know they really didn't like following the ETOPs maintenance requirements, because they felt it was too expensive.

I know prior to when I left, they were looking at A321's to do the ETOPs flights. I don't know if there are A321's that can do it that aren't either brand new, or pretty close to it.