I knew Southwest Airlines would put up a fight when entering the Hawaii market. But this image clearly shows that Southwest has very strong ambitions in Hawaii. SAVAGE!!
The image you’re seeing comes from inside Southwest’s ETOPS Center, where pilots prepare for Hawaii flights, at Oakland International Airport. And in case you’re having a hard time deciphering that picture, it depicts Southwest as a great white shark chasing two smaller fish representing Hawaiian and Alaska.
That’s a bold statement for sure, though one the public isn’t supposed to see. Southwest, according to the Pacific Business News (pay wall), isn’t commenting on the shark imagery. And it appears that even Airline employees are mixed about the appearance of the artwork. Some are saying that it gives the wrong message, especially regarding Hawaiian and Alaska. Another employee claims humility isn’t Southwest’s strong suit. Either way, let this be a warning to Alaska and Hawaiian; Southwest isn’t messing around.
Southwest to Hilo?
In the meantime, Southwest’s VP of Network Planning, Adam Decaire, is on the Big Island meeting with community members. During his meeting, Decaire spoke about flying into Hilo and driving over to Kona while East Hawaii residents pleaded with him not to forget them.
In response, Decaire says Southwest is aware of the Hilo airport and what they think it can do. He did not make an official statement but did say “maybe, maybe not. I just don’t know. Just a teaser out there for you guys.”
Fingers crossed! If it’s one intra-Hawaii route that desperately needs competition, it’s the Honolulu-Hilo one.
Southwest Has Very Strong Ambitions in Hawaii, Final Thoughts
I can’t believe the audacity of this piece of wall art. I mean, I’m sure Southwest didn’t intend for the public to see this, but in the age of smartphone and social media, it’s inevitable that it would leak. And Southwest should’ve known better. After all, Hawaii residents shunned Mesa Air’s go! subsidiary for their arrogant and predatory business practices.
It was widely known that Mesa Air’s goal to put Aloha Airlines out of business and they succeeded. Thanks to them, we’ve long been stuck with what is essentially a monopoly on inter-island routes. So, hopefully, history doesn’t repeat itself with Southwest. I’m hoping they, and Hawaiian (and Alaska), stick around for the long-term. Competition is good, and the more of it we have, the better.
People seem too sensitive. It’s funny art, it shows WN’s motivation and dedication to compete.
I generally stay away from WN because of the cattle call.
I will definitely use WN for inter island flights next time I go because you can’t beat a 737 for an hour flight with 2 bags.
I used to fly puddle jumpers because HA wanted too much money.
While I would never fly WN to/from Hawaii. I will be using them for intrastate flying in HI and I welcome their convenience, low prices, comfortable planes for such a short flight, and 2 free bags.
To me, this is all about perception. And the art, while I agree is funny, could be misinterpreted by some given what’s happened in the past with Mesa and Aloha. I mean, even some of WN’s own employees find it distasteful. Either way, though, I’m glad they’re here and giving Hawaiian some real competition for a change. Did you really find MW to be cheaper than HA, though? Every time I priced out flights with them, it would end up being just as expensive or more than HA. Me, I fly Alaska primarily for out of state travel, but stick to and will likely continue to stick to Hawaiian for intra-Hawaii travel. My wife and I like to have assigned seating, so yeah. But who knows? Perhaps one day we’ll give WN a try.
Please, you can’t believe the audacity of this piece of wall art? I got a good laugh out of it when I first saw it! Your worried that what the public might think when they see it? God forbid we hurt someones feelings, as that is a no-no in todays cushy world. As a owner of a couple small businesses, its a dog eat dog world out there. Put out a great product or service at a reasonable price,and put real value on your customers, and you will succeed. Just as southwest has.Sure there are many out there who will knock SW because of no premium seats or their unconventional boarding process, but my family has gotten Tremendous value from them over the last 6 years. Easy to get companion pass, no change fee policy, wanna get away fairs available almost any day of the year. Even though I’m in AA and deltas FF program, they don’t even come close to the value I get out of SW. So keep up the good work!
Per my post, the concern comes from past occurrences in the Hawaii airline industry. If the art is interpreted the wrong way, the perception could be that WN is trying to pull another Mesa Air, which ended very badly for Hawaii. Not only did Mesa Air use illegal tactics to push Aloha Airlines out of business, but they left a void that allowed Hawaiian to become the monopoly it is today. The issue at hand with the piece of art is a lot more nuanced here in Hawaii; it isn’t just about hurting someone’s feelings. It’s about perception, and this doesn’t give a good one. That said, as I’ve always said in my posts, I’m all for WN being here in Hawaii and am glad they are. Competition is a good thing, and we need more of it here in the islands.
WN FTW! Hawaiian is the worst US airline, I wish WN would buy them.
Now, I’m no Hawaiian fan, but I’d be against them being acquired or ran out of business. More options, means more competition, which is ultimately better for the consumer.