Questions Answered
ARLINGTON (theHub.com) - Many employees e-mailed questions for Dave Siegel to address at last week’s employee webcast, which he was unable to answer due to time constraints. As a follow-up, over the next several days, US Airways Today will answer some of your questions, and a question and answer log will be kept on theHub for reference.
Q. I wanted to hear "the Plan" and what I'll be expected to contribute. Why didn't Siegel get specific during the webcast?
A. Dave DID outline the broad framework of the plan, and, in essence, it is to become a low-cost carrier with unit costs in the 6-cent range, because that is the only way to ensure consistent profitability. He also reiterated what employees have themselves stated; we must change our product and pricing structure. In terms of the product, Dave said we will schedule our aircraft competitively; build a better Web site, on which work is already under way; make better use of technology, such as installing more kiosks and introducing gate readers; fly more jets and fewer turboprops, which is what our customers prefer; and consider a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system. Regarding pricing, he said we will move towards a more simple structure that is easy to sell, easy to buy and easy to use.
As far as the details of "the plan," however, he said a process needs to take place. The business plan must be presented to and approved by the Board of Directors, which includes representatives of each of the labor groups. The board will receive it shortly. By the end of April we want to be in serious negotiations with our labor groups, when it is expected that more details can be shared with employees. By this summer he said we must have new contracts in place to meet the low-cost carrier threat.
ARLINGTON (theHub.com) - Many employees e-mailed questions for Dave Siegel to address at last week’s employee webcast, which he was unable to answer due to time constraints. As a follow-up, over the next several days, US Airways Today will answer some of your questions, and a question and answer log will be kept on theHub for reference.
Q. I wanted to hear "the Plan" and what I'll be expected to contribute. Why didn't Siegel get specific during the webcast?
A. Dave DID outline the broad framework of the plan, and, in essence, it is to become a low-cost carrier with unit costs in the 6-cent range, because that is the only way to ensure consistent profitability. He also reiterated what employees have themselves stated; we must change our product and pricing structure. In terms of the product, Dave said we will schedule our aircraft competitively; build a better Web site, on which work is already under way; make better use of technology, such as installing more kiosks and introducing gate readers; fly more jets and fewer turboprops, which is what our customers prefer; and consider a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system. Regarding pricing, he said we will move towards a more simple structure that is easy to sell, easy to buy and easy to use.
As far as the details of "the plan," however, he said a process needs to take place. The business plan must be presented to and approved by the Board of Directors, which includes representatives of each of the labor groups. The board will receive it shortly. By the end of April we want to be in serious negotiations with our labor groups, when it is expected that more details can be shared with employees. By this summer he said we must have new contracts in place to meet the low-cost carrier threat.
