If they can make it there, they'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York.
Southwest Airlines is actually holding its own in these tough economic times, which have hit the airlines particularly hard. Still, the airline is making plans to crack the New York market by making a bid for slots left vacant by bankrupt ATA at LaGuardia Airport.
ATA's assets are being auctioned off in bankruptcy court in Indianapolis, and representatives of Southwest were there to place a $7.5 million bid for the 14 spaces the bankrupt carrier has left open in New York.
Southwest currently flies into Islip Airport on Long Island, but a foot in the door of the New York City market is predicted to be a game changer in the airline industry.
Winning the bid, however, is not all that it'll take for the airline to succeed in NYC. Since their business model is dependant on quick turn arounds, Southwest may find flying in and out of LaGuardia to be contrary to its successful operation.
If it happens, Crain's says the deal would present a big threat to United Airlines and American Airlines, which dominate business service between Chicago and New York City.
