Comparing Airlines

Introduction

In 1903 the Wright brothers were credited with the first controlled flight in Dayton, OH within a twenty year period the United States had a growing industry in passenger flight. Tony Janus conducted the first commercial flight in 1914, at a cost of $5.00 one way people were able to fly from St. Petersburg, FL to Tampa Bay, FL a total distance of 21 miles in an astounding 23 minutes. (Champion, 2011)

The four years of the First World War led to expedited development of the aircraft industry, Germany and Great Britain led the way. After the war it had become apparent that the planes used in war time could be converted to transport people. Founded by Arthur "Pappy" Clark and based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Chalk International Airlines was formed in 1919 and offered flights between Miami and Bimini (Bahamas). Until its closure in 2008 it was considered the oldest operating airline in the United States. (Chalk's International Airlines, 2011)

During the First World War many of the planes that were developed for military use such as bombers sat idle on the military bases. Since the WWI was considered the war to end all wars, countries had not yet embraced the need for an Air Force. Bombers had been converted into passenger planes and the market was growing, Pan American Airlines was founded in 1927 and flew its first flight from Key West, Florida to Havana Cuba. (Steele, 2011)

The world experienced an increase in passenger aircraft as most were converted military aircraft, an airliner is defined as an aircraft intended to carry multiple passengers from one point to another. Using this definition the Russian Sikorsky Ilya Muromets was the first passenger aircraft, this aircraft boasted such amenities such as isolated passenger saloon, wicker chairs, private bedroom, and a private bath this aircraft also had heating and electrical lighting. Developed in 1913 and having the ability to carry a total of 16 passengers, if not for World War I Russia would have been the first in the world to operate and maintain the commercial airline industry. (Sikorsky Ilya Muromets, 2011)

After World War II aviation took a huge leap forward, using technology from the Germans the United States entered the Jet age. In 1949 the United Kingdom entered the passenger jet age with the introduction of the de Havilland DH 106 Comet, this aircraft after only a few years of service suffered from metal fatigue. This was attributed to design flaws, and after the highly publicized accidents whereas two aircraft completely tore apart in mid air, the aircraft were grounded. (De Havilland D.H.106 Comet , 2011)

The first successful passenger jet now was the Tupolev Tu-104; although it was actually the fourth passenger jet introduced it was the only passenger jet in service between 1956 and 1958. Operated by Czechoslovak Airlines now recognized as Czech Airlines along with Aeroflot this passenger jet flew over 90 million passengers worldwide. (AEROFLOT, 2011)

Here in the United States the government realized how far behind it was in aviation with the discoveries of the jet engines found in the Germany as well as other technological breakthroughs. The total fear that the United States and its allies had was that they could have been defeated if it had not beaten Germany to the creation of the nuclear weapon. The United States used its resources to develop military aircraft ranging from Jet Bombers through Jet Fighters. (Waverly, 2011)

The 707 was first developed as a tanker aircraft for the newly formed United States Air Force in 1955; along with the Douglass DC-8 it served proudly. In 1958 the United States Air Force gave Boeing permission to market and sells the Boeing 707 to the commercial airlines. The commercial airlines had requested that Boeing add an additional 4 inches to the width of the aircraft as well the placement of over 100 windows made this aircraft the largest of its class at the time. (Boeing, 2011)

Since that time the United States has led the world not only in aircraft development but also in the commercial airline industry. Boeing has become the world's leader in aircraft both military and commercial with it infamous Skunk works producing such aircraft as the SR-71 Blackbird, and feared F22 Raptor as well as the most purchased and used commercial aircraft such as the 747 family intercontinental airliners, and the 777 Dream liners which is one the first fly by wire passenger aircraft. (Boeing, 2011)

Southwest Airlines

Founders Rollin King and Herb Kelleher founded Air Southwest, after receiving incorporation papers and permission to service airports Dallas (DAL), Houston International (IAH) and San Antonio (SAN). The founders had hoped to avoid federal regulations by only operating within the state of Texas, after a 3 year legal battle with Braniff, Continental Airlines, and Trans-Texas; and a Texas Supreme Court ruling allowed Air Southwest to operate freely within the state of Texas. (Southwest, 2011)

Southwest has become one of the leaders of low cost aviation in the United States offering flights throughout the United and some parts of Central and South America. Boasting as one the friendliest airlines in the industry its pilots and staff are known to have passengers laughing during the majority of the flight. (Southwest, 2011)

Operational objective

Mission Statement

The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit.

What this means is that Southwest Airlines is dedicated to provide the highest quality of customer service, ensuring that it is delivered with a sense of warmth, pride of each individual employee from the washer to the pilot. (Southwest, 2011)

What this means to the employees of Southwest Airlines is that the company promises to provide the employee with a stable work environment allowing the chance to learn and experience personal growth. The company encourages creativity and asks that employees provide the company with ideas that will make their jobs easier and more productive; each employee is treated with the same respect and attitude no matter what position they hold. This means that the CEO is treated no differently than the shuttle driver, it is not uncommon for the CEO to fly Southwest and not expect any special treatment from his employees. (Southwest, 2011)

Southwest has expanded its fleet with the new 737's and increased our available seating miles by 4.2 percent with a larger fleet, they will be able to offer more destinations