Originally Posted by esofina
Seeing as how NWA is losing $$$ every day, will the doosie northeaster save them money, or will it cost them money? (with respect to cost of normal ops)
Will it push them closer to liquidation, or serve to increase the load factor on the few planes running, giving them better margins. Or are they comping loads of hotels rooms, and free food, all while trying to keep the piper away?
Thoughts anyone?
My understanding is that disruptions cost $, no matter what. Fixed costs stay fixed, and I've heard of airlines flying with pilots and cargo during an FA strike, just to keep revenue coming in (slows the bleeding, but won't stop it). Also, it keeps the planes where they should physically be, if the strike ends early (say, a day).
As per this snowstorm... after DTW a few years back, and NRT this year, IMO NW should do whatever it takes to keep people happy, and then PR the livin' crap out of it. Sure, it'll cost them in vouchers, milage, overtime, fees, etc, but after the SuperBowl "win", this double-dose of wins could really improve their image. If they hose this blizzard, they need to rethink who their current PR employees are.
This blizzard is an oppurtunity, *not* a liability.
Steve B.