EDITORIAL – Southwest leaves US Airways in the dust

US Airways unveiled two new initiatives yesterday in a valiant effort to clean up its act for… US Airways unveiled two new initiatives yesterday in a valiant effort to clean up its act for the dawn of Southwest’s arrival to the Steel City today. Although the program is an improvement, US Airways’ initiative may have come a little late.

In a program titled “All Together. On Time.” which focuses on punctuality, US Airways plans to salvage its enterprise, despite its second bankruptcy and losses totaling $191 million.

Targeting the airline’s poor customer service reports, the program ensures that all flights will leave and arrive on time each day. The supposed plan of action is to close all doors five minutes before takeoff and to conduct checks by all captains 15 minutes prior to departure.

In addition to this on-time performance program, they have developed a new theme: “Never Underestimate the Power of Us.” This phrase will be branded on materials distributed to employees in an effort to meet the expectations of their customers.

However, what speaks volumes to the customers is that no real attempts to improve the airline have been made until the arrival of the powerhouse competitor.

Interestingly enough, the first time US Airways filed for bankruptcy, they received a $1 billion loan from the federal government — funded in part by U.S. taxpayers — and they haven’t found a use for it within the realms of effective customer service beyond their overzealous theme. Accompanied with a piss-poor effort to be on time, analysts speculate that it is only matter of time.

Officially launched today with 10 confirmed daily departures, Southwest Airlines has mastered the art of meeting expectations while planning a party for the grand opening at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Offering consistently low prices with no reserved seating, Southwest will begin the festivities by breaking through a Southwest banner, with entertainment provided by West Allegheny High School cheerleaders and South Fayette High School’s marching band.

Steelers running back Jerome Bettis and Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield will also join the party to welcome Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly by dumping Southwest-issued peanuts over his head and allowing him to play catch with the football player.

With advertisements all over the city, in PNC Park and in TV advertisements, Southwest has officially moved in. Deemed the “official airline” of the Pirates — formerly the title of US Airways before its bankruptcy — the airline has moved in.

This is definitely a good thing for a city that has been leeched by US Airways since their inability to be resilient after several years in business with handouts from the government. A competitor seems to be just what the city needs to assure the service that costumers have been waiting for.

Struggling, US Airways tried to match prices with its perennial threat, Southwest Airlines, but was unsuccessful in its attempt as of opening day for Southwest. When a corporation cannot stay in business, we should allow the market economy to run its course, and let it die peacefully.

Other attempts by US Airways can be marked by their engagement in several discussions to consider a possible merger with America West. However, nothing has been confirmed. Currently they continue to solicit funds through investment capital in an effort to lift the airline out of Chapter 11, unsuccessfully.

Unfortunately, their marketing strategy has not improved their customer reports much, and truthfully they have been steadily going downhill for over a decade, laying off employees left and right. In short, the city of Pittsburgh welcomes Southwest’s consistency and efficiency with open arms, because they are a business that truly deserves to be on top.