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Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly on Bid for Frontier

pberg
Frequent Flyer B
A press release was issued today announcing that Southwest Airlines has submitted a proposal to acquire Frontier Airlines, which will be sold at auction in bankruptcy court this month.  The following memo was sent to all Southwest Airlines Employees from our CEO, Gary Kelly.

This morning Southwest Airlines submitted a bid of more than $170 million to acquire Frontier Airlines, which has been in bankruptcy since April 2008.  We understand an auction will commence later this week in New York.  Once the auction is concluded, the bankruptcy court must approve the selection of the winning bidder.  So really, we just don’t know when it will be that we’ll hear about these results, but I commit that we’ll keep you informed as we go.  

 

We believe Southwest’s bid represents the best possible longterm scenario for Frontier, its Employees, and the Denver traveling public.  Southwest brings to the table the most consistently profitable airline in commercial aviation history, the best Customer Service record in the industry (as repeatedly determined by the Department of Transportation), an Employee-centric Culture, and low fares.  If we are successful in our bid, Southwest will offer a financially stable, Customer friendly, low fare alternative to the dominant carrier in Denver into the future.    

 

I have seen and read speculation and reports as to why Southwest would be interested in acquiring Frontier.  Simply enough, Frontier is for sale, and purchasing them would allow us to increase our Customer base in a city where we want to grow.  Frontier also is a stellar airline with a great reputation known for quality Customer Service, passionate Employees, and low fares.  Sound familiar?  Those are the three main ingredients that Southwest Airlines was founded on more than 38 years ago, and those three values remain at the core of our DNA today.  While there are obviously some differences in our companies, we also see a lot of similarities.   

 

I have also seen some speculation as to why this move makes sense for Southwest Airlines.  Southwest is a growth company.  Who would have ever thought 38 years ago that we would grow from offering service between three Texas cities to carrying more passengers than any other carrier in the United States?  Pretty remarkable, and even more remarkable is the fact that we have grown while being profitable for 36 consecutive years – a feat unmatched and unheard of the airline industry!  

 

We began serving Denver in January 2006 with just 40 Employees and 13 daily nonstop flights.  Today, we have nearly 400 Denver Employees and operate 113 daily nonstop flights to 34 destinations from the Mile High city, making Denver the fastest growing city in our history, and already among our top 10 airports (out of 66 and growing) that we serve in terms of daily departures.  It’s clear Colorado Customers appreciate our low fares, great service, and convenient schedule to places they want to go.  

 

If our bid is successful, we will return to growth mode in the midst of a deep recession, expand our network in Denver to include many attractive destinations that we don’t currently serve today, and offer Denver travelers a stable, low fare airline with legendary Customer Service to compete against the dominant carrier at DIA.  

 

Through this acquisition, Southwest will continue to provide Denver a financially stable source of its historically low fares well into the future.  There should be no doubt; the bankruptcy process will require some change to Frontier in any scenario.  Given Southwest's history and track record of running a successful airline, we believe that our bid is the best option on the table for Frontier, Southwest, and the traveling public.  A successful acquisition of Frontier Airlines by Southwest will expand our network of legendary low fares to additional cities, add jobs into Southwest through growth, and strengthen low-fare competitive pressure in Denver and other cities.

To listen to a conference call held today to discuss Southwest’s bid proposal with Ron Ricks, Executive Vice President Corporate Services and Corporate Secretary, and Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Planning, please click HERE.  To read a transcript from the call, please click HERE.

 

126 Comments
Anonymous987
Explorer A
Time for a pop quiz! How many Frontier folks are going to be offered positions at Southwest? A. All 5,000 of them.. B. None of them.. C. 2,500.. C. 3,792.. D. 3,793.. How can *anyone* purport to know (with certainty at this stage of the process) exactly what the true answer to the question is? However great Frontier #1 was and Frontier #2 is, things in the industry have changed, and all the continued hyper-emotionalized posts/rants are just swinging after the bell. SWA folks *know* you love your airline--they get it--and many SWA folks came from other airlines, some of whom had their own financial problems, so it's not as if all SWA folks don't have any idea what some of the pressures and uncertainties that our friends at Frontier must be feeling and otherwise going through. To claim otherwise is an assumption, and an erroneous one at that. Instead of folks wasting time and bandwidth and posting all this repetitive bile about how "sure" the worst-case scenario du jour is, how about everyone *calming down*, and just taking things one day at a time? Just because SWA doesn't yet know whether it'll be 3,792 or 3,793 at this precise moment doesn't mean there's a conspiracy afoot. Those versed in IFR ops know the meaning of "continue", and that what folks should do---continue some common-sense calm, and more info will come out when it's available.
skyflite
Explorer C
I love Southwest and I hope at the end of the bidding Mr. Kelly announces "It's on!"
Anonymous3942
Explorer B
Well since my own company is censoring my posts on here I'll just shut up and wish the rest of the Frontier employees GOOD LUCK since they're gonna need it.
Anonymous154
Explorer C
Interesting conference call. You should post those more often. Quick question....What are your planes for the seat back TV's? Will that be something that you "emulate" being very popular with Frontier as well as your other low cost competitors, Jetblue and (radio in this case)Airtran?
Anonymous3536
Explorer C
Southwest has in the past given up slots at Washington Reagan, fought to not operate at DFW, chosen Cleveland and Pittsburgh over Akron-Canton, chosen to codeshare rather than offer offer flights to Mexico, and chosen not to operate commuter carriers. How does this all become part of Southwest Business structure?
Anonymous1836
Explorer C
I think the seatback tv's go with the planes when they are returned or sold.
Anonymous3062
Explorer C
SkyGuy79- Yes withholding cash unforeseen can cause cash problems. Good deducing. As for the attitude you seem to have "Southwest will hopefully be able to swoop in and provide jobs to those that qualify and have the right attitude to work here."...I can guarantee from my dealings with Frontier that they are indeed as good if not better than Southwest in various areas. I can also guarantee you that SW is not that special compared to Frontier, so to make a statement like that is just as arrogant as Tina's and I hope your peers are taking notice.
Anonymous3536
Explorer C
So does this mean that we will see new flights on Southwest from Denver to Pittsburgh, Denver to Cleveland, Denver to Washington Dulles, Chicago to Atlanta, Baltimore to Atlanta and Potential entry into Cincinatti within the next year on top of picking up the vast majority of Frontiers current service?
Anonymous3942
Explorer B
@ Traveler: If all it took for Frontier to have to declare bankruptcy was Frontier having a CC processor get panicky and withhold funds then Frontier already had bigger problems i.e. not enough cash on hand. It was already a matter of time. It only matters that they DID go into bankruptcy and they ARE for sale and Southwest will hopefully be able to swoop in and provide jobs to those that qualify and have the right attitude to work here.
Harrison1
Explorer C
All this bashing back and forth just shows that there are juvenile delinquents and small minds on both sides of this - Southwest and Frontier. Too bad..........I understand the passion and the fear that is out there, but I'll never understand the small minded, big mouthed morons who just have to spew forth................
Anonymous3942
Explorer B
Traveler- You're just having sour grapes, period. Frontier wasn't successful. Southwest is. Its not nice, its business. I'm sorry you can't face that reality. As for my me and my peers? Most of us feel that those Frontier employees that are hired will be a positive addition to our company as long as they have the right attitude and want to be here. They'll be welcomed with open arms. Chew on those grapes and try to be a better loser.
jim_l1
Explorer C
If you serve Atlanta we'd love to have nonstop service from Nashville. The alternative to Delta's subpar service(especially the ASA filler between the mainline flights) would be huge for business travelers. It's no fun making a day trip for work where you take an MD80 down in the morning only to find that your ASA evening return is going to be delayed over and over until the crew times out and it gets canceled(a painfully regular occurance there). We don't have AirTran so right now there is no way around it.
Anonymous3942
Explorer B
@Traveler- BTW, I have an incredible amount of respect for the people and employees of Frontier Airlines. I have always respected their reputation in the industry and admired the livery...there really is nothing cooler than big block letters in titanium and animals on the tail...quite a statement. But about Frontier being better than SWA? That's a matter of opinion. My first and only experience on Frontier was non-revving from DEN-PDX and let me tell you...the flight attendants were NOT friendly with each other and that very apparent in the cabin. One made a comment about the other taking long in the lavatory in the back when they were ready to do their announcements (something I'd never say over the PA about anyone) and then the other slammed the lavatory door so loud I could hear it in row 3. That wouldn't be cool at SWA because it would denigrate someone and we know better than to show conflict in front of passengers. Those are the kind of people I hope don't get folded into SWA. I'll be glad to fly with the ones with a good attitude. There are bad apples at every company, including here. So, bring on the bright, shiny apples.
Jill9
Explorer C
I would like to share a different point of view and that is of someone who is watching her husband stress tremendously about whether or not he is going to be able to feed his family. Many of you Southwest employees have been very supportive and empathetic of the Frontier employees and their families, which is very much appreciated. However, to those of you that are not, it is almost embarrassing to read these blogs. As an outsider to this industry, I cannot believe the immaturity and lack of human compassion for others. Change is very difficult for anyone, but can any of you imagine what it is like to actually seriously be worrying about how you are going to provide for your family. My husband has been flying his whole life and works very hard. He spends time away from his family to provide and because he loves his job and working for a company which cares a great deal for its customers and employees. This is an extremely difficult time for those of us awaiting our future, which is completely out of our control. Please keep that in mind before you post such degrading and hurtful comments. It honestly makes Southwest look much less appealing. Just think about it. And thanks again to those of you that are supportive, it is appreciated!!
dmjm0817
Explorer C
Southwest to the rescue again!. No wonder you are the kickin some butt!. Keep it up and to bad for U-haul (United) Those Dener folks will figure out soon enough which airline is the best! DMJ>
Anonymous3062
Explorer C
SkyGuy79- What are you talking about? I have no interest in either company. If you've read any of my earlier posts I travel on these airlines I have no vested interest in either. Whether Frontier makes it or not, or Southwest makes it or not has no bearing on my life whatsoever. They are the cheapest, good quality airlines I use here in Denver. If they both go out of business I'll fly United. So this sour grapes talk you mention is falling on deaf ears. I realize you just want to rant for your company but you don't want to hear the true reasoning behind what happened with Frontier here in Denver. You just want to blow your horn about what a huge failure it is and you aren't. As for your peers? I wasn't talking about them taking notice about whether there would be open arms for any lucky, lucky Frontier employees who may get a shot to have income with Southwest. I was talking about I hope your peers notice what a horrible representative you have been on this blog to your company. Certainly your last post was quite a tribute to your peers. Carry on.
MP
Explorer C
Ms Berg, How does Southwest expect to win the current bid with Frontier when Southwest has publicly stated a 20% reduction of the Frontier fleet? This equates to job loss. Southwest has further stated the remaining emplyees could interview to retain the job they have worked hard at for so many years. All this for a "shot' to start over again at the bottom. Republic, on the other hand, has proposed expansion of Frontier. This equates to job protection. It is also job creation in an economy that has the highest number of unemployment in years. Does Southwest feel, by increasing their bid by 57 million dollars, this overshadows the fundamentals Froniter has worked so hard for in the past 16 months? It seems to me if job security was part of the binding proposal from Southwest, it would have been a dead ringer With all due respect, MP
Anonymous3553
Explorer C
Will Southwest with an acquision of Frontier, then return back to Houston/IAH?? Has that been discussed??? Southwest should go back, and have some service from IAH. I know they have a huge base of operation at HOU, but a return to IAH, should happen!!
A_customer_pros
Explorer C
I fly southwest just because they are cheap. And lately they have not been the cheapest as far as price goes. You get what you pay for. They used to be better but have gone downhill over the years in customer service. I don't like the chaous at the gate jockeying for position. Who does this serve? Its like standing in line at an amusement park waiting for a ride not knowing if you get to be on the front of the roller coaster or in the back. I don't care. Just don't like all the ignorant people that think they get one up on you because they cut in line and got a better seat. Whoopdy do. Charge us a few bucks more and hire a reservations department to handle seating. Hire a few people to clean the planes. I don't like the dirty planes since they turn them so quick. I don't like some of the joking around that some flight attendants think is so cute. Its only funny if both partys think so. And I haven't seen any of you on Saturday night live. I don't like honey roasted peanuts.I don't like hearing about mechanical issues and not performing maintenance as required to keep the flying public safe. Or about holes in planes. I will pay a little more for better service. I have stayed away from Southwest because of this. Used to fly SWA twice a year to Vegas. Plus to Midway numerous time. Tulsa, Ok City, Love Field. Been to all of them plenty. Not anymore. IFLYFRONTIER.COM Exceptional sevice. Nice planes. I feel safer on the newer planes. PS. Not a frontier employee. Just a possible customer. Or not. If Frontier goes away I'll look to Southwest as the last option. Not to say I won't fly them just not as likely as in the past. I'm sure there are some professionals at SWA. Some of you are just way beyond reality. You are not as good as you think you are. Get real. Deep down the general public is cheap. Southwest is a bottom fisher.
Frontier_Flight
Explorer C
Greetings Paula and fellow readers, I thought that I would post something POSITIVE from an F9 employee. I realize that the concern and bitterness from Frontier employees is already visible in some online blogs/forums, but I want to assure you that not everyone that works at Frontier Airlines feels negatively about the potential WN acquisition. There are many folks here at Frontier that are excited about the opportunity to be employed by another fine airline - that is, Southwest Airlines, as there are those who prefer F9 to be acquired by Republic. Before beginning my career at Frontier more than 5 years ago, I had the pleasure of flying on WN many times (having lived on the west coast) and always found your employees to be outstanding ambassadors of your company - from customer service agents, reservation agents, to flight attendants and pilots. In fact, it was because of Southwest's high-caliber group of employees that I decided to begin my own career in the aviation industry as a flight attendant (I accepted the first offer I received and at the time, it was from Frontier). I grew to love the industry, and most importantly, my company. Frontier Airlines has been a great employer - from the culture to the employees, I believe that we have A LOT more in common than most naysayers think. We all work for companies that value their employees while highly stressing customer service and value. As much as I would be saddened to see my beloved Frontier brand to cease to exist as time progresses, I would also be just as honored to fly for Southwest Airlines as I have been for Frontier. I would be honored to work alongside any WN employee, so long as they'll have me. My only concern right now, as any Frontier employee, is whether or not I will be able to keep my job. How will the immediate 20% Airbus fleet reduction affect me? Flight Attendants and Customer Service Agents at Frontier are not unionized and as a result, all of us are worried about our jobs. We are also concerned about rumors speculating that IF some of our jobs will still be maintained, that we would all have to compete with one another by interviewing to keep our positions. We are also concerned that not all 1,000 Frontier flight attendants will be needed. Paula - can you or any of your colleagues shed some light on how the acquisition would specifically affect Frontier flight attendants and customer service agents (our two largest work groups)? Most people think of the pilots when it comes to mergers and acquisitions, but few realize (or perhaps fail to consider) that there are MANY other employee groups that are just as large, or if not larger than the pilot workgroup. Thank you kindly for your help. Kind Regards, An excited yet very concerned Frontier flight attendant
Anonymous3439
Explorer C
I have flown both airlines...and while Southwest is my primary carrier of choice (due to the most non stop flights from my home airport)...I have enjoyed my flights on Frontier. I have never had bad customer service or unfriendly flight attendants on either airline. Change is a scary thing especially with this economy. My family has been through more than its fair share of ups and downs (mostly downs) with jobs in the past year. I hope that the Frontier employees that want to work for Southwest are welcomed with open arms and that an even more amazing Southwest emerges. This will be a trying time for everyone......I hope that the current Southwest employees can all show their new friends a bit of empathy. Nothing is certain these days....and nobody likes wondering where their next paycheck is coming from or if they will get one at all. We all need to take other people's feelings into account before we act or speak......and treat others how you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes, because you never know when/if you will be.
Anonymous1114
Explorer C
I think we have to remember that it's just not between Frontier and Southwest. There is an important missing person rarely being discussed here - the local customer here in Denver. Frontier has a strong connection here in the community and has many loyal customers, some of whom can not be bought by low price alone. To assume that all of Frontier's customers will automatically switch to flying SW, as everyone seems to take for granted, probably won't pan out - some will invariably align with United. The one attraction to United that I hear from friends and neighbors is their rewards program - enough miles and you can take the family to Hawaii. That is attractive for alot of folks.
Anonymous985
Explorer C
I just wanted to give my two cents! 1) Frontier and SWA are both great airlines. I am not sure why everyone is for one or against the other. The airline industry is full or "fans" or "non-fans" of any given carrier. It is my hope that SWA or Republic both see the value of Frontier Airline's routes, employees, and commitment to the city of Denver. 2) Either SWA or Republic SHOULD and MUST honor the employee groups at Frontier as viable, knowlegeble assests to their "family" (As they call themselves) It hurts me, as a loyal SWA and Frontier passenger to see what each has to say about each other- we really should be supporting the growth of any company in these terrible times. 3) As a very frequent flyer of both airlines, I hope that Mangement has the sense to keep the "best" employess of both groups and not short change the city of Denver and its low fares and competitive market place. The people of Denver will be fooled if they believe that the elimination of a carrier, be it United, SWA, or Frontier, is a good thing for the people of Denver. I hope that SWA can "Live" up to its promise or Legendary LOW FARES (which were raised in PHL, MDW, and BWI) when they became the "Big" carrier in those cities! It is very hard for me to believe what they say! To Close, I agree that SWA is a great carrier, but let's not make them the darling of the industry- they have great customer service, if you like the cheapest fare with the illusion of greatness. There have been many great airlines, like Pam Am, that have gone by the wayside, but not because of dedicated employees, but unfortunate times in business. Please remember that all SWA and Frontier employees should be "passionate" about thier company and that is not a bad thing- don't have SWA and don't sell Frontier down the river- embrace the change and hope for the best for all employee groups. As a Summit member of Frontier, I hope that I can see some of those smiling faces as I transition to SWA if that should be the outcome. I really hope SWA values the Hometown Carrier as I do and understands that I want to make sure that Frontier employees can have a new home that I can come see at SWA! Cheers to all, and I hope the best for everyone- please make sure you all support each other- the airline industry is tough enough without one putting another to the fire! I hope Gary Kelly and Sean Menke do have the best interest for all employees at heart and the DOT and Bankruputy judge find it hard to put any other American on the street!
Frontier_F_A
Explorer C
Hello All- I am a Frontier Flight Attendant who is obvioulsy cautious, but excited about the SWA bid. I have always admired SWA for their legendary customer service, continued profitibility, and employee-oriented culture. I am also a realist. F9 is up for auction. This is something completely out of my control. SWA is a very well-run airline known for their unique brand. I would hope SWA would offer us F/A's positions. Beileve me, we have some fantastic F/A's who would compliment SWA. We had a good run with Frontier. But times have changed. I appeal to you SWA : Let us show you that we can provide the legendary customer service you are known for! Our only desire is to keep our jobs. Unfortunately, many of my fellow F/9 empolyees don't feel this way. Every WN flight that I have non-reved on has been great. Let's make DEN a profitable, viable base!!
DallasFA
Explorer C
I understand the Frontier employees being frightened and scared of what will happen to their jobs. Regardless if it is gonna be Republic or Southwest buying Frontier, people are going to lose their jobs. Unfortunately its starts from the top down. Headquarter employees are the first ones affected. I came from another carrier to Southwest. I do believe that Southwest cares about all its employees. We want everyone at Frontier to be able to work for us but with attitudes starting about "Southwest is bad" and "Southwest is evil" is not gonna get any of us very far. We all have to come together to make us as a group (including Frontier employees) be more profitable. If we are to win and buy Frontier we must all work together and be a team. We are all gonna have to have the same goal to make the airline grown and keep as many employees that we can. Some of you may believe we don't have a heart but we haven't even seen whats going to happen yet and everyone is jumping to conclusions. I have grown to love my coworkers as family. We really care about everyone. We may get upset but we work as a team and get it done. So I ask from everyone, Southwest and Frontier employees, to work as a team and make us all prosper. If I were to see one of my fellow employees treat a Frontier employee bad trust me, I will have your back. I hope Frontier employees will get my back if another Frontier employee were to treat me with disrespect.
Dan_Jaryno-_Fro
Explorer C
I'm a Frontier ramper in Denver and, after reading through these blogs, I have to say that I'm utterly ashamed to be a F9 employee. It's disgusting and disgraceful the way some of our employees have spewed hate on these blogs. Hate towards people they don't even know and whom have no control over what Southwest has done in the past or is planning to do. I could have sworn we'd be better than this. I was sorely mistaken. Character is defined as someone with "moral or ethical qualities". Sadly, some of our employees have been in short supply of this in the last few weeks. I know this is way overdue and may not mean much, but I'd like to apologize for the actions of a few of our stupid employees. I'm thinking the majority of Frontier doesn't share this same mentality (at least I hope). The fact of the matter is, no one knows what's going to happen in the future. It's possible that this move could be a positive for Frontier employees. After nearly 14 years in the aviation buisness, the only thing I'm certain of is that nothing is certain.
fan_of_swa
Explorer C
ok, for all the Frontier employees that are concerned about senority if SWA wins this auction process and acquires your airline, if i remember correctly, here is the way it went with the Morris Air Acquisition, every one that wanted an interview got one, every one that got hired at SWA from Morris had a starting date at SWA at the time they were hired by SWA, if multiple employees were hired on the same day for a certain dept.( i.e. inflight, pilot, ramp, csa, etc.) the senority date starts on your date of hire and in alphbetical order of all the employees hire on that date. SWA operated Morris as Morris for over a year while shutting them down, all the employees that still operated Morris through this process were already hired by SWA and on the senority list and accrueing senority in their respective department at SWA while this process was in place, it was not an overnight deal, it took a lot of Morris employees a lenghty amount of time to shut down Morris air, BUT, they were already "technically" SWA employees from the time of their hire date at SWA and acrueing SWA senority during the shut down process. i hope this clears up some of your issues and it may not be the same in this case, but probably will as it will take a couple of years to phase out frontier, so rest assured, a large percentage of you will be hired at SWA if this goes through and those that are will start accrueing senority at SWA on that hire date even if you stay with frontier until SWA ceases all Frontier operations and as they shut down Frontier they will be growing Denvers base, including inflight, maintenance and pilots, so most of you guys will not ever have to leave denver, there really is not a large group of current SWA employess willing to relocate to denver, a lot of the current denver base employees were hired in denver, so relax and welcome aboard, it really is the best for your employees and airline regarding its curren situation, every one knows about your sacrifices and hardships you have had to endure and applaud you for your dedication and hard work that you guys have put into trying to revive your airline after its bankruptcy filing, hands down, you did a terrific job and the numbers prove it, you took SWA on and held your own, something a lot of the big airlines have not been able to do, SWA needs your type of dedication and commitment and your passion, you will be rewarded for your efforts at SWA, they did not get to be where they are by not taking care of their people. Bottom line, you are up for auction and the highest bidder will win, but relax, you will be given a great oppurtunity to work for a grat company, and knowing SWA like i do, if this does go through, i can predict that a new 737NG will roll out of seattle painted with frontiers animals all over it and dedicated to all you guys that stood so proud and fought so hard for your beloved airline, that is just the way SWA operates. Your actions did not lose the battle, unfortunately it was out of your hands from early on, but you stood proud and fought anyway and that is why you will be hired at SWA
Chester_White
Explorer C
"As tough as the job market is right now I find it evil that some posting on here really don't care about the employees that live and work here." Well, then I am evil. I am a very satisfied customer of WN. What I care about is excellent service in flying my family and me to places I want to go at a price I like. WN provides that beautifully. How they manage to do it is of almost no concern to me. Business is not charity and it's not government, contrary to what half this country seems to think. To the extent that business tries to be charity or government, it starts to fail. You see this with GM, Citibank, and all the other "businesses" that have been taken over lately. There are 300,000,000+ people in this country. I can't CARE about all of them. What I want is for them to CARE for themselves and let me take care of myself.
carroll3
Adventurer C
Please do not hire the F9 employee with the name of anonymous. I think the whole anonymous family should be sh** canned from the hiring pool. If it were not for Southwest buying Frontier they would simply disappear. Hello read a newspaper the enitre economy has been redefined. The new normal for industry, business and personal lives is changing every day for every body.
xCOcurrentF9
Explorer C
Wow...I am just amazed with how disrespectful many of your comments are on here (from both sides). It is unfortunate anytime a company that offers a great product and has for the most part wonderful employees (every barrel has it's bad apples, even you WN) falls victim to either poor management or tough economic times...but it happens and hopefully who ever does win this auction will be able to do their best to assist EVERYONE in the transition. For the poster that commented on "2 times bankfuptcy = failure" (paraphrasing) as an x-CO employee who went thru 3 (YES THREE) bankruptcy filings and ended up going from "worst to first" in the industry during the 1990's, 2 strikes does not = failure...when employees and management come together to work as a "TEAM" all things are possible. I have always toyed with the idea of working for WN, but it just never fell into place at the right time (WN once offered a position and it was for a station 1400 miles from where I was then living). As a current F9 employee working in an outstation next door to an extremely large WN crew, although I KNOW that my excellent cs skills and work ethics would make an excellent addition to the great folks I have the pleasure of socializing with on a daily basis...odds are...they will not take us in, there will just not be the need to expand that much. :o( What a sad day and a loss to F9, WN and the traveling public, when good quality workers such as myself and the other F9 employees in my station become unemployeed in a sagging economy. Note: Although if I was to be fortunate enough to be absorbed, I pray that I would not be exposed to fellow employees like "skyguy", there is just no need for that type of behavior towards anyone, anytime, and surprised that someone with that attitude IS employeed with WN.
xCOcurrentF9
Explorer C
Dan Jaryno- Frontier Ramp Denver , You said it best! All of it....especially the "the only thing I'm certain of is that nothing is certain"...as commonly stated in this industry "subject to change"...and we should all know that is true for everyone, about everything. Okay all my fellow F9'ers...show everyone what we are really made of - respect, intelligence, good character, and a high standard of courtesy! If you can’t say something positive or nice, don’t say anything at all...I know many of you are scared, me too, but we will get through this. I too applogies for those that are running their mouths without thinking...
WN_F_A
Explorer C
I'm not a fan of blogs but I figured I'd throw my two-cents into this discussion. Whatever the reasoning behind SWA acquiring Frontier- whether it be because we cannot compete, or because we are just 'buying out' the competition, or simply to grow - it's a move that has undoubtedly been heavily studied by the SWA [financial] team and one the Company feels will benefit us financially in the long term. Folks, it doesn't take an MBA to recognize that the way the airline industry as a whole operates remains downright criminal in many ways. However, an airline is just like any other business. Business come and go. This industry has notoriously been plagued with instability and more than likely it always will be. No business is eternal without constantly changing to meet the demands of profitability. The larger a company, the more parties you have to satisfy (investors, employees, government, etc) in order to grow and provide financial returns to these organizations/groups. The status quo does not work for extended periods of time as change becomes a necessary measure in order to survive. From a personal and psychological perspective, it's always best to at least try to accept change as a positive even when one does not necessarily see the 'bigger picture' at a particular moment in time. If you are a Frontier employee and approach this entire business transaction with negativity, hate, etc., then rest assured you're probably contributing to your own demise in this industry. I truly admire the individuals who are willing to look outside his/her comfort zone to embrace the future - even if it is not meant to continue in the airline industry. I recognize how Culture plays an integral part in developing a stronger, more unified workforce. Culture, however, cannot lure investors who have the necessary capital any company needs to either start or maintain operations. Ultimately, it's all about financial returns. In closing, we should all try to make the very best out of any circumstance life throws our way. This isn't about who is better or worse, nicer or meaner, classier versus trashier, etc.; it's a financial transaction that Frontier executives, Frontier investors (Republic, Airbus, many others I'm sure), and the courts will ultimately decide upon in order to best satisfy outstanding financial obligations.
Anonymous3536
Explorer C
Houston Intercontinental service will probably be replaced with Houston Hobby Service. If you listen very carefully, they said that they would keep Frontier's markets. Theat does not necessarily mean that they would keep all airports. Houston is served fine by Houston Hobby
Bill
Employee
Employee
WN F/A-- WELL SAID!!!!! Two thumbs ENTHUSIASTICALLY up from me!!!! Bill Owen
Anonymous3536
Explorer C
What math are you doing to believe that a twenty percent reduction in fleet will equate to a 20 % job loss. It is not like they are able to retrain a staff and furlough a staff at the same time. They actually need to be overstaffed during transition Of course, you will see some capacity come out of Denver with a combined carrier, but much of that will be to make the operation profitable. Once profitable, Southwest will seek to add additional service into other markets. Job loss, if any, for a limited time can occur through attrition so stop wining and crying. You will be able to feed your children if you are legitimately good at what you do.
Anonymous3942
Explorer B
Traveler- I have said nothing but Frontier is a failed airline..twice now...and we here at WN will gladly welcome the employees that are hired here with open arms. We can even learn some tricks from F9. Nothing bad about that. Keep chewing on those sour grapes...
Peanut
Explorer C
Personally, Im glad we are buying Frontier. We are larger,smarter and we make a profit! All those bitter Frontier employees can enjoy themselves at the unempoyment line if they don't want jobs at SWA. Go SWA!
Anonymous3536
Explorer C
Frontier would not necessarily disappear if Southwest didn't buy them. That is evident by Republic's Bid. Frontier is valuable and should be commended for their work as a carrier. I never saw at them at the bottom of one customer survey. Not One!
Steve_In_Denver
Explorer C
If you can't beat them, buy them! That's what is going on in Denver. WN is gonna do the same thing now as they did with ATA and a couple others. Don't believe what these management folks are telling the media. Do they think the people in Denver are just gonna flock to them because they buy F9? I would rather pay a few extra dollars and fly United, Delta, AirTran. Your people are rude, over sell planes (except in Denver where you can't fill them). Now WN folks, what are you hiding in the bid that you are keeping things so secret?
Dedicated_SWA_e
Explorer C
I understand, that for all of you employees that are part of the family, there at Frontier this is an uneasy, uncertain, scary time for you. It is clear that you all are a part of the Frontier family, and treat each other as such. What you should also realize, is that we are also one big family here at Southwest, and treat each employee as if they were our own family. I believe that these two families, and their unique cultures truly can compliment each other very well. (although, the fear and uncertainty of the future, seems to have also brought out some of the worst in these boards. ) Seems there has been allot of bashing, from both sides in these posts. I for one see that as a very poor thing for everybody involved. We do not treat each other, our family, our customers, our co-workers this way. So why would you post something like that, where your future customers could read it? Yes, you Frontier people should be worried about future customers as well. Because regardless of who wins this auction, there will be future customers of frontier too. (customers will remember things that you wrote, while you were scared and venting. ) If you look past the type of aircraft that we fly, there are allot of similarities. 1) We both put our customers first. 2) We both treat our fellow employees as family. 3) We both are dedicated to our airline. 4) We both have a very pleased and dedicated loyal customer base. 5) We both have a very unique but similar culture. 6) We both Love the company that we work for, and are dedicated to it'. 7) We are both active in communities that we are in, and service. All of these things, are the reason Southwest, is a "different kind of airline" and frontier refers to themselves, as a "different kind of animal". But unfortunately one has been put into a position that it had to file bankruptcy, and will be sold as part of those proceedings. So with all of the above in common, it would only make sense that we would be a good match to join together, If the situation came one was for sale. (put the situation in reverse and think about it) I understand, that at Frontier you feel these are uncertain, scary times, filled with anxiety and unanswered questions. However allot of that is brought on by the bankruptcy, and are there regardless of who buys Frontier. (I know, in your eyes if we win the auction, it is kinda like joing a rival.) But with all those core values in common, I seen several of you compare Southwest to the anti-union Walmart. I will have you know that we have excellent customer care, we take great care of our employees, we do many things in, and for the communities that we service, as well as being one of the most unionized, if not the most in the industry. We are THE example of how a company employees all can be union, and the company can still be profitable, and the customer still receives low fares. (unions do not kill companies, as long as them and the management have a good working relationship, and the employees are happy) I believe that if you will just look through the anxiety of the bankruptcy, you will see that we are very similar. (we both even have unique paint on out planes even.) All the negative posting, is not doing any of us any good, and in alot of cases only speculating, which does nothing but raise the anxiety level. I think, that everybody should spend the time that they were going to use posting a negative blog entry, and think of one new possibility that could come as a result. (just my opinion) That is what I came in here for, but it appears somebody already posted the idea I thought off. Which, was for obvious reasons we cannot have animals on our tails. However dedicating a wildlife scene with animals on specialty plane, to service Denver on frontiers routes seemed like a really good way to keep your animals alive, and allow the people of Denver to still see them and our commitment to the city of Denver. (just an idea that came in my head today, by no means am I in a position to arrange, or saying there ever will be such an animal. so to speak) I hope that we can set all the bankruptcy aside, and look at all the possibilities that would lay ahead for all of us. Join together, and take the future to all new heights. My new positive thought of the day, is that if we win this auction, Together Southwest and Frontier will show Denver and the whole world that Everybody LUVs animals
Anonymous2384
Explorer C
Hey guys lets just see what happens and let the dust settle... at that point we can discuss all the details. I am really kinda sad to see all of the negative comments here. That is not what either one of these companies is about. We all have very little control over the outcome right now and we can either worry or just let it be and not worry. The end is still gunna be the same. Lets all just try to make this work and be good to eachother. It is very scary I think there is mutual feelings on both sides. It is just best to think positive and move forward and make it real hard for all of the other competition in DEN right now. We need to do it together and we will rock out there!!! Lets make it happen y'all!!!!!
swafan08
Explorer A
I don't know about SWA very well but does it seem strange SWA hase not added more flights to Dulles Airport like New low cost new destinations to compete with that huge Hub for united airlines. I am shocked that they have now given united airlines more of a run at competition!!! I am near dulles airport and I am TIRED of united when I got to go nonstop !!!
Jessica_Sideway
Explorer C
I hope that if Southwest acquires Frontier, that we will get to see Frontier become Southwest, meaning that all the planes, employees and yes, the gates and rewards programmes become Southwest. I am especially interested in this since I am a Denver resident and am deeply excited at the ability to earn more reward flights simply from the flights that I have to take Frontier on. Good luck, Southwest and please - don't axe the Mexican flights! Sincerely, Jessica Sideways http://jessicasideways.com/
Anonymous2007
Explorer C
Very very very well put Dedicated SWA employee in SAT! Thank you
Anonymous1996
Explorer C
sounds as if swa definitely has plans to fly to mex in it's own livery when we win the bid. what do you think?
L_Moody
Explorer C
Let's look at the positive side of Southwest's possible acquisition of Frontier. If you listened to the press conference yesterday, you know that Southwest has big plans and they include the People of Frontier. The "big picture" presents an amazing amount of opportunity and it will be a tremendous amount of work. The People of Frontier will be needed. When Southwest finishes connecting the dots between Frontier's existing service and Southwest's national network, the resulting airline will be a powerhouse. For the most part, cities served by Frontier offer service to Denver. Most F9 routes originate or terminate in Denver. I expect there are many fans of Frontier in Los Angeles, but if they want to fly to a destination in California, they are out of luck. There is no service between the F9 cities in California. The same is true between most other F9 cities. The nationwide network that Southwest offers is a huge advantage and there will be many opportunities to expand service at many of the current Frontier cities. Southwest and Frontier only overlap service in about twelve cities. I would expect most of the other airports Frontier serves have been asking Southwest to bring service to their airport for years. Each year, hundreds of airports ask Southwest to initiate service at their location. Those airports are probably very excited about the possibilities. And don't get too hung up on the fact that Southwest's proposal initially includes 20% fewer Airbus aircraft. Southwest has a history of covering a larger schedule using fewer aircraft. It is still too early to tell and nobody knows all the details. I simply urge everyone to keep an open mind and look for the opportunities. Change is difficult, but it can be exciting.
Anonymous987
Explorer A
There have only been a couple of gazillion posts in various internet blogs re: the WN/F9 deal in recent days, but "Dedicated SWA employee in SAT at SRC", I have to tell you that yours has been the best of the bunch, as well as most reflective of how I feel the vast majority of both WN and F9 folks view things. Nicely done!
Bob10
Explorer C
As a WN FA I will welcome all F9 employees with open arms. Come on over and lets have some fun.
F9_crew_member
Explorer C
It is nice to finally see some nice encouraging comments from both F9 and SWA staff. It is what I've been hoping for. At the end of the day, whatever the outcome, it will be my choice which road/attitude I take in the future. I can only speak for myself, but yes, I am scared of what the future brings. Question like "Will I be offered an interview?" "Will I be offered a job?" "Will I need to relocate if hired" These are all valid questions I have. Do I believe that SWA will offer an interview? Yes! Do I believe they will hire me? Unknown. That is were I stand now. I am smart enough to know that I may not be the right fit for SWA. I also know it is up to me to prove via my actions and attitude that I am. Another question to consider is, "Is SWA a right fit for me?" Unknown! I hope my fellow F9 employees are able to find an outlet to deal with the stress of the unknown. But don't take it out on those who really have no say in the outcome! I then ask the SWA employees that are genuinely concerned for the F9 employee to continue writing comments of encouragement on this site. I truly am looking for that spirit that I keep hearing about. I have seen it first hand on your planes, at your gates and on the hotel van. I have also seen the "not so great spirit." But who hasn't. We all have bad days! If I NRSA on your flights or share a hotel van with you in the next few days,weeks, months as I am sure I will, please share your excitement with me. I truly hope I find some peace in my heart and soul soon, because I will soon need therapy and may not have the insurance to cover it! Thanks for reading!
Steve_C_
Explorer C
It sounds to me like Southwest Execs are going to have to do some major damage control to win over the Denver market, after several of their "finest" gave us a taste of the WN culture through these blog posts. Nothing like insulting a city and their pride and joy hometown airline to give Denver residents, potential future passengers, and potential employees "warm fuzzies" about your company. I was extremely disgusted that WN employees could have such a chip on their shoulder, and actually feel good about themselves and their product after the way they presented their true colors and feelings in regard to this potential acquisition. I do have to say, kudos to "Dedicated SWA employee in SAT" on your post. Thank god someone represented Southwest as intelligent, compassionate, and warm hearted. Their comments and ideas really struck a cord with me, and maybe even renewed a little of my faith in WN. Frontier is a unique piece of Denver and its history, representing the culture, people, and the warm spirit of our city. The colorful animals on the tails say it all; it is truly "A Whole Different Animal." It is a company that taught the public to set their expectations high when choosing their carrier of choice, and not to settle for the other discounters that have nothing more to offer than a "cheap seat." I feel that Southwest has some extremely large shoes to fill in the Denver market, and they've got their work cut out for them if they think they can just swoop in and win the hearts of Frontier's loyal passengers. If they think they can accomplish this by adding insult to injury, they'd better think again. Steve C.