Southwest bids for ATA’s LaGuardia slots

Southwest Airlines in a move focused on their marketing push towards full-fare business travelers, has offered a bid to the bankruptcy court for ATA’s LaGuardia landing and take-off slots. This move, if approved by the court, will give Southwest a LaGuardia presence with seven round trips daily.

The $7.5 million bid will make Southwest a new player in the New York airspace. After avoiding the New York area except for limited service from Islip, out on Long Island, Southwest has obviously decided from a business-traveler point of view, LaGuardia had to be included in their schedules.

New service is expected to start next year should the bankruptcy courts release the slots to Southwest. No other parts of ATA are being purchased by Southwest, only the take-off and landing slots.

Comments

3 Responses to “Southwest bids for ATA’s LaGuardia slots”

  1. On November 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pm Janice Hough said

    So much for Southwest’s great on-time record.

  2. On November 19th, 2008 at 1:34 pm Frank said

    Where’s the LUV, Southwest?

    Just the routes, NO ATA aircraft or EMPLOYEES!

  3. On November 19th, 2008 at 7:04 pm Anonymous said

    @Frank: Well you know, they have to remain profitable. Sorry.

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