Rumor: Project Oasis retrofitting reversal???
Mar 4, 2019, 7:43 am
#91
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What you people don't seem to understand is basis cost structure. Flying an additional pax has nominal additional expenses. A little more in fuel and whatever tiny snack and can of whatever beverage. Even if some of those additional seats go empty the nominal cost to AA is very small. So if AA is selling half of those additional seats it's still probably coming out ahead.
Yeah I believe "densification" sucks and makes life miserable for gate agents, flight crew and paxs. But if one thing the past 10 years has proved senior management cares very little about any of this. Look at this way. For the past 10 years you couldn't go 2 weeks without another media article bashing some aspect of airline operations. Yet during the same time airlines have raised fares, introduced fees, increased fees, added more seats, etc. Without a doubt airline management doesn't make decisions based the perception of the public.
I don't see 60% load factors. In fact as I walk through DFW, MIA, ORD, CLT, JFK, SFO, LAX (and any other airport) on the way to my gate I hear the all too familiar "ladies and gentlemen we are expecting a full flight today." Nor is there any evidence that EXPs and CKs are abandoning AA in droves. In fact, unless you can get another airline to status match as an EXP or CK you'd probably wouldn't want to leave AA. Would you really want to restart at the mid tier level at UA or DL? is WN or B6 going to get you to Japan? And it's not like either has 34 inch pitch and serves steak and lobster in Y.
Yeah I believe "densification" sucks and makes life miserable for gate agents, flight crew and paxs. But if one thing the past 10 years has proved senior management cares very little about any of this. Look at this way. For the past 10 years you couldn't go 2 weeks without another media article bashing some aspect of airline operations. Yet during the same time airlines have raised fares, introduced fees, increased fees, added more seats, etc. Without a doubt airline management doesn't make decisions based the perception of the public.
I don't see 60% load factors. In fact as I walk through DFW, MIA, ORD, CLT, JFK, SFO, LAX (and any other airport) on the way to my gate I hear the all too familiar "ladies and gentlemen we are expecting a full flight today." Nor is there any evidence that EXPs and CKs are abandoning AA in droves. In fact, unless you can get another airline to status match as an EXP or CK you'd probably wouldn't want to leave AA. Would you really want to restart at the mid tier level at UA or DL? is WN or B6 going to get you to Japan? And it's not like either has 34 inch pitch and serves steak and lobster in Y.
If AA was doing so well, and making all the right strategic and tactical decisions, then why has it's share price so dramatically underperformed all of its peers? We're talking 20 to 30 percentage points worse than the overall S&P Airline index over the past 1, 2, 3, and 5-year periods. It's embarrassing.
Mar 4, 2019, 7:47 am
#92
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Right now whether AA is going to reverse project Oasis is nothing more than wild speculation at FT. It's success or failure from a business and finance standpoint on FT is nothing more than rampant theorizing and speculation. In truth project Oasis is just getting started and AA would not have sufficient data yet to tell them whether this strategic decision was a success, as defined by it's budget goals, or a failure. As someone that is PLT (and therefore upgrading about 25% of the time) I hate the "densification" of the Y section and the time from time chaos that occurs, particularly in boarding.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 4, 2019 at 8:18 am Reason: https://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#gettingpersonal
Mar 4, 2019, 8:11 am
#93
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<Redacted >
I'll be doing my first 73M flight next month. Excited and frightened at the same time. My expectations are very, very low.
I'll be doing my first 73M flight next month. Excited and frightened at the same time. My expectations are very, very low.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 4, 2019 at 8:21 am Reason: Redacted reply to previously deleted post content
Mar 4, 2019, 8:22 am
#94
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I can't make sense what this new seat looks like in F at least. I flew DTW-DFW yesterday on a 738 that had slimline seats in F. The power source for electronics was under your armrest to the back. Is this a new configuration?
Mar 4, 2019, 8:27 am
#95
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Mar 4, 2019, 8:45 am
#96
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Mar 4, 2019, 8:53 am
#97
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I don't see it happening. The flyers that AA is really concerned about are the ones not impacted. They are sitting up front, usually on a long haul in a flat bed seat. The guy/gal flying and spending enough to make GLD, PLT and PLT PRO is a dime a dozen. Not to mention they either have no choice in the airline they fly or are a hub captive. Moreover, its not like DL and UA are providing spacious room in the back. AA's philosophy is that if someone is uncomfortable in a 30-31 inch pinch seat they should pony up the additional $$ for MCE.
If none of this is correct then why have the
Simple. If enough EXPs and CKs bolt and it’s due to new seat configurations AA might reverse Oasis. Other than a few complainers on FT there’s zero evidence this is occurring. When you consider that the densification brings an extra $400K a year in revenue per seat it’s going to take much more than FT complaining and speculation.
Speculation: This could lead to some changes to Oasis, at least in seat padding on future orders. MCE and it’s availability upon booking might itigate some of the pressure to do much about MC, but the seatback bar and lack of underseat stowage, along with reduced pitch and recline, could see some MiQ seat, and possibly other changes.
I don’t think a huge purchase contract with the sole source (Rockwell Collins) is that easy to amend. On the other hand, the size and value might make it more amendable.
I’ve no insider connections or insider-guided insights; JonNYC obviously does, as he is quoted by several reputable bloggers frequently. We’ll just have to see what’s coming down the pike. But AA is definitely getting a lot of feedback from its High Value Flyers, many of who fly domestically a lot. And AA cabin crew are vocal about Oasis as well. Though Oasis is just at the early stages, it’s garnered a substantial volume of negative comments from those HVF you seem to think are quiescent (or not flying coach).
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 4, 2019 at 9:25 am Reason: Add
Mar 4, 2019, 9:31 am
#99
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I really want to know who in planning or operations or whatever thought it was a good idea to have seats installed that effectively make it impossible to store a laptop bag or back pack or tote underneath a seat.
Honestly, somebody needs to be -fired-.
Honestly, somebody needs to be -fired-.
Mar 4, 2019, 9:54 am
#100
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The seatback bar and lack of under seat stowage (given there are no IFE distribution boxes etc. to block that) make the MiQ more like M-i-Q kay ee wye Emm oh you ess ee.
Mar 4, 2019, 9:58 am
#101
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I've not seen anything publicly disclosed in AA filings that they are considering reversing what is a huge decision. A reversal that would cost them millions. Until AA states such it's speculation whether on FT on someone claiming they have the inside track. Sure maybe it's been discussed in meetings but something of this magnitude would need Board approval. And none of us sit on the BOD.
Mar 4, 2019, 10:00 am
#102
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By the way, for those discussing LUS 321s and “fans” of Oasis 
:
:First LUS A321 oasis has been scheduled on PHL-SEA as of 5/3. Flight #2846 .
Mar 4, 2019, 10:07 am
#103
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All you have to do is read the tea leaves. CC companies are reducing benefits. Airlines are reducing benefits. Loyalty means absolutely nothing. As the age-old cliche goes; "Money talks, BS walks. Expecting airlines to change is like watching molasses fall from a tree. Use your power (dollars) and choose the best product for that specific flight or trip. Domestically, airlines have absolutely little motivation to provide a decent product. But before pointing any finger(s) at the airlines, look at the four pointing back at you. Most casual flyers only care about one thing: PRICE! Airlines gave us that. I know AA is offering free catherization for all passengers that do not want to pee on their teeny tiny bathrooms.
Mar 4, 2019, 10:08 am
#104
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I've not seen anything publicly disclosed in AA filings that they are considering reversing what is a huge decision. A reversal that would cost them millions. Until AA states such it's speculation whether on FT on someone claiming they have the inside track. Sure maybe it's been discussed in meetings but something of this magnitude would need Board approval. And none of us sit on the BOD.
Wake up.
The rumor has very serious foundation and that is NOT mere speculation, regardless of if it ever come to pass, which I'd say is certainly less likely than likely. But anyone who says/thinks I don't have unique and incredible inside knowledge is misinformed.
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 4, 2019 at 10:30 am Reason: Edit for Rules compliance
Mar 4, 2019, 10:17 am
#105
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I believe @JonNYC more than your typical FlyerTalker. Personally, I think it's likely that they'll make an adjustment to new builds of the 737 MAX and Oasis retrofits of existing aircraft's, but it's unlikely to see them changed already refreshed aircraft or newly built aircraft.