United/Continental merger?

[T-Bird76]

Speaking in the merger topic, when will we see US Airways changeover to the Cactus callsign ???

Why would US Airways change over to "Cactus"? America West was somewhat "acquired" by US Airways (or at least US Airways is the dominant partner in the merger). Why would US Airways adopt America West's callsign, especially since everything is being changed over to US Airways?

Clark actually America West was not acquired at all by US. America West totally acquired U.S Airways, hence why AWA wants to keep some of its past alive. AWA formed the U.S Airways group with funds raised with loans so they could afford to take over U.S. The U.S Airways group is a holding company that owns AWA and U.S since they are still two different airlines, but it was AWA that orchestrated the takeover not U.S. U.S would be gone by now if this didn't take place.

[cancidas]

that would be really cool, ship 744 and clearing him into the gate as "cactus."

[USAF Pilot 07]

Clark actually America West was not acquired at all by US. America West totally acquired U.S Airways, hence why AWA wants to keep some of its past alive. AWA formed the U.S Airways group with funds raised with loans so they could afford to take over U.S. The U.S Airways group is a holding company that owns AWA and U.S since they are still two different airlines, but it was AWA that orchestrated the takeover not U.S. U.S would be gone by now if this didn't take place.

Interesting... I thought all along U.S. Airways had acquired AWA. Thanks for pointing out the opposite!

So are they repainting AWA planes into U.S. Airways livery, or are they keeping the two airlines completely separate, only operating in conjuction with each other?
From the business standpoint of things, I can see why it would make sense to keep everything US Airways, or at least lean more towards that name than keeping the AWA name....

[Alex T]

They are changing everything to US Airways, all AWA and US planes will be repainted into the new US Airways colors.

Once merged(certificate wise), all US planes will have the call sign of cactus, and they will keep the 4 heritage planes as well.

[hiss srq]

Sure would be nice to see a 767-200 and maybe a 737-400 in Peidmont colors.

[NYARTCCFAN]

ok question is when will the callsign changeover take place

[USAF Pilot 07]

ok question is when will the callsign changeover take place

Once merged(certificate wise), all US planes will have the call sign of cactus, and they will keep the 4 heritage planes as well.

[NYARTCCFAN]

OTAY !!! Was wondering if anyone had insider info on the exact date of the occurence

[Alex T]

OTAY !!! Was wondering if anyone had insider info on the exact date of the occurence

I'd assume its gonna be another year or two before everything is complete, however once the certificate has been merged for the two airlines, both airlines are now considered one full certificate operating airline-US AIRWAYS. but it wont mean the colors of the planes will ber done and all, but it means all AWA flights will show up on ATC and Screens as US instead of AWA, and ATC and the rest will be reported to as Cactus, which is the same for AWA certified planes, but US Airways will be the one to change over to Cactus, will take some getting used to by US Airways pilots.

Alex

[Art at ISP]

Not to be revisionist, but the combination of America West and US Airways was a MERGER, not an acquisition. While America West management remains, and were instrumental in the deal, much of the financing was arranged by Bruce Lakefield, former CEO of US Airways. He may not have known how to run an airline, but he is an expert with money.

While US probably would have liquidated if this merger had not happened, HP would likely have had to file CH 11 as well--according to Doug Parker.

That said, the airline may have the US Airways name, but it is lowering its product to America West standards, and as much as I love my friends at US Airways, that may be a deal breaker for me.

As some of you know, I am one of the original members and currently the policy board chair of FFOCUS (Frequent Flyers Organized and Committed to US Airways Success), which is a 300 member passenger (and employee) advocacy group. We advocate for both the customers AND employees of US Airways, and have gotten the airline management (both new and old) to reconsider some changes, and in some cases got them rescinded. We care very much about the new US, but most of their most frequent customers do NOT like the way they are trending.

By the way, 2 books I just read give a chilling reminder about failed airlines, and both share a common theme--you cannot have happy customers without happy employees!!!

The books were A Splash Of Colors about Braniff's collapse in 1982 (it was like deja vu all over again), and DELTA-An Airline Without a Pilot, which came out early this year. Recommended reading for anyone who is involved with or cares about the airline business--interesting how history seems to repeat itself.

My best to you all--especially my US Airways friend Ron and his colleagues at LGA...

Art