Southwest Airlines is preparing to link its network with AirTran Airways
Dec 14, 2012, 9:01 am
#1
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Southwest Airlines is preparing to link its network with AirTran Airways
(Source: Terry Maxon, Dallas Morning News.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...-airways.html/
Southwest Airlines chairman and CEO Gary Kelly told an investment conference Friday that Southwest is about to begin connecting its network with AirTran Airways by beginning code-sharing.
Eventually, that’ll mean a traveler can buy a single ticket that has both Southwest and AirTran flights, such as flying from Dallas to Cancun or Mexico City through San Antonio or to New York or Nassau, the Bahamas, through Atlanta.
Kelly said the system that allows code-sharing “is ready.” A test will begin Dec. 26, followed by a “soft rollout of that functionality in January, followed by a Phase 1 more full rollout in Feb. Phase 2 in March and, presuming everything goes well, full up in April.”
Although Southwest closed its purchase of AirTran on May 2, 2011, the two carriers have operated separate networks. If someone wanted to take a Southwest flight and then travel onward on an AirTran flight, it would require two tickets.
Kelly said the “long pole in the tent” on completing the integration of AirTran into Southwest is technology, primarily its work to replace Southwest’s reservations system. That work began last year when Southwest picked Amadeus to provide the technology.
The work has progressed now to allow the code-sharing, he said.
Overall, Southwest has finished or made good progress on the six or seven major tasks needed to absorb AirTran into Southwest, he said.
“We have a very solid plan to have AirTran completely integrated into Southwest Airlines by the end of 2014,” Kelly said.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...-airways.html/
Southwest Airlines chairman and CEO Gary Kelly told an investment conference Friday that Southwest is about to begin connecting its network with AirTran Airways by beginning code-sharing.
Eventually, that’ll mean a traveler can buy a single ticket that has both Southwest and AirTran flights, such as flying from Dallas to Cancun or Mexico City through San Antonio or to New York or Nassau, the Bahamas, through Atlanta.
Kelly said the system that allows code-sharing “is ready.” A test will begin Dec. 26, followed by a “soft rollout of that functionality in January, followed by a Phase 1 more full rollout in Feb. Phase 2 in March and, presuming everything goes well, full up in April.”
Although Southwest closed its purchase of AirTran on May 2, 2011, the two carriers have operated separate networks. If someone wanted to take a Southwest flight and then travel onward on an AirTran flight, it would require two tickets.
Kelly said the “long pole in the tent” on completing the integration of AirTran into Southwest is technology, primarily its work to replace Southwest’s reservations system. That work began last year when Southwest picked Amadeus to provide the technology.
The work has progressed now to allow the code-sharing, he said.
Overall, Southwest has finished or made good progress on the six or seven major tasks needed to absorb AirTran into Southwest, he said.
“We have a very solid plan to have AirTran completely integrated into Southwest Airlines by the end of 2014,” Kelly said.
Dec 14, 2012, 9:05 am
#2
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Considering the millions of transactions that are needed to keep WN working, we knew that it would take a while to get integrated.
Still, it will be great to fly on one purchase.
(Wonder how screwed up the WN website and iPad app will be in the Spring?)
Still, it will be great to fly on one purchase.
(Wonder how screwed up the WN website and iPad app will be in the Spring?)
Dec 14, 2012, 11:10 am
#4
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Based on the title I though some sort of Armeggedon was going to happen....
It usually takes 18-24 months dor airlines to integrate their systems during a merger.
This one was expected to take even longer due to southwests very different system.
Another factor in play is the RR1 vs RR2 transition and the fact southwest prefers to have just one kind of aircraft.
It usually takes 18-24 months dor airlines to integrate their systems during a merger.
This one was expected to take even longer due to southwests very different system.
Another factor in play is the RR1 vs RR2 transition and the fact southwest prefers to have just one kind of aircraft.
Dec 14, 2012, 11:15 am
#5
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I expect no changes to the CP from the integration. Both airlines have CP for their high mileage flyers.
Therefore any changes to CP will be based on business decisions.
Therefore any changes to CP will be based on business decisions.
Dec 14, 2012, 11:29 am
#6
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They'll have to address how the CP will function after integration. Will a Southwest CP allow use on a code share?
Dec 14, 2012, 12:13 pm
#7
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(Source: Terry Maxon, Dallas Morning News.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...-airways.html/
...
“We have a very solid plan to have AirTran completely integrated into Southwest Airlines by the end of 2014,” Kelly said.
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...-airways.html/
...
“We have a very solid plan to have AirTran completely integrated into Southwest Airlines by the end of 2014,” Kelly said.
Southwest says it won’t fully integrate AirTran into the company until the end of 2014. (Or possibly into 2015, at least according to one slide (PDF) in its presentation Friday.)
Dec 26, 2012, 7:22 am
#8
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Consolidated WN/FL booking coming soon!
Was on the phone with a 16 year CSR veteran yesterday and she told me they are starting the training on the new reservation system which joins the WN/FL systems.
Pretty much confirms what has been in the news lately.
Pretty much confirms what has been in the news lately.
Dec 27, 2012, 12:00 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,509
"Starting the training on the new reservation system" is pretty illusory.
It was October a year ago when they suggested that exchanging passengers and bags in a single itinerary and fare would be possible the "first half" of 2012:
It was October a year ago when they suggested that exchanging passengers and bags in a single itinerary and fare would be possible the "first half" of 2012:
"..we’re constructing that technology to enable the exchange of passengers and bags, and therefore [we] expect it to be in place by the first half of next year." - Gary Kelly, October 21, 2011
Dec 28, 2012, 7:56 am
#10
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I can't believe there has been a delay; especially considering it's their award-winning IT dept.