Negotiations between Southwest Airlines and two pilot's unions have resulted in a previously unheard of transition plan for pilots which do not rely on arbitration. The deal in question must be approved by both unions in the following couple of weeks. Southwest Airlines purchased AirTran in May 2011, yet still maintains separate operating policies and practices. The contract negotiations will be in effect for both Soutwest Airlines and AirTran.
See "Southwest Airlines reaches deal with AirTran pilots' union to merge airlines' seniority lists", Chicago Tribune, July 17, 2011