Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 2199 times:
Just the other day I was chatting and offered a position for a future service in MOD between MOD and LAX. The details were that MOD would increase from 4 flights daily, to 9. My question was why so many more to SFO, but come to find out, it will be 4x daily to LAX, and an added flight to SFO to make it 5x daily there.
I refrained from posting anything here until I could show some kind of proof, even though I have seen the schedules for these routes. The plan is to fly MOD-LAX in May, and this is before QX starts it's very own MOD-LAX service with Q400's. OO operated flights will be operated entirely with EMB-120's.
To show a couple of documents regarding this, here is the SkyWest info:
Additionally, the MOD airport has resubmitted a revised request for additional grant cash for use with maintenance and studies. You can read about this here:
With the announcement of OO service coming after recently announced QX details, I somewhat had a feeling this was coming. These flights will be United Express operated, and for most obvious reasons, to defend UAL turf in LAX.
Wedgetail737 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5223 posts, RR: 6 Reply 1, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 2115 times:
Sounds like MOD is getting a sudden increase in air service. I just hope Modesto and its surrounding community can sustain such service.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 2, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2061 times:
Looking at the first document it says the UAX MOD-LAX service will be using SCASD funds. This was what was to be used to attract QX flights. I don't see QX starting service if the revenue guarantee is no longer available.
Quoting Wedgetail737 (Reply 1): Sounds like MOD is getting a sudden increase in air service. I just hope Modesto and its surrounding community can sustain such service.
The MOD area has seen a large surge of growth. Additionally the newest University of California campus opened this year in Merced, about 35 miles south.
Besides the UC, many companies are looking at the Merced area to locate to take advantage of university research.
Merced Airport only has Scenic flights to North Las Vegas, although Scenic is considering adding Reno service. So the next closest airports to the campus with flights are MOD (35 miles) and FAT (60 miles).
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Reply 3, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 2008 times:
I have discussed the flights regarding QX with airport admin and OO employees as well. QX is still a go at MOD, and is just awaiting the aircraft approval. OO only jumped in on it with UA to get things started before QX.
As it stands, you can subtly see the changes taking effect at the MOD terminal, such as the ticket counter just recently being split into two (which was the plan for QX service), and half the wall being repainted white, rather than keeping it full UA grey/blue combo.
This will be a good thing for the community, and I'm desperately hoping the city approves. OO and UA are definitely ready to go with it with the cities approval, and as said, the schedule for it is already built.
Copaair737 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 1938 times:
Wow, this is really awesome. Two airlines with service to LAX. I remember OO was applying for SCK-LAX, but not LAX. This is pretty cool though. It's always good to see an increase in flights at MOD. Will this service be on the EMB-120 or the CRJ? I would guess the EMB-120, but thats just me. Great news though. I always wondered why there was no LAX service, and now there is--on two airlines.
Flypdx From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 636 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 1938 times:
Quoting Copaair737 (Reply 5): Will this service be on the EMB-120 or the CRJ? I would guess the EMB-120, but thats just me. Great news though. I always wondered why there was no LAX service, and now there is--on two airlines.
Quoting Xpfg (Thread starter): OO operated flights will be operated entirely with EMB-120's.
N1120A From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 25729 posts, RR: 86 Reply 8, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 1912 times:
Quoting MD90fan (Reply 4): Where will the QX Q400 come from? Like where will it be based or how will it get to MOD?
Will almost certainly be LAX based.
Mangeons les French fries, mais surtout pratiquons avec fierte le French kiss
Goldenshield From United States of America, joined Jan 2001, 5039 posts, RR: 14 Reply 9, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 1905 times:
See if the airport will approve a BBQ since you guys will be in fairly tight quarters.
Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 10, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 1886 times:
Quoting Xpfg (Reply 3): I have discussed the flights regarding QX with airport admin and OO employees as well. QX is still a go at MOD, and is just awaiting the aircraft approval. OO only jumped in on it with UA to get things started before QX.
But what is the story with the SCASD grant? Modesto got $550,000 to attract MOD-LAX service, targeting Horizon.
What is the plan now? Split the SCASD grant between the 2 airlines? Use other funds for a revenue guarantee for Horizon? Or is Horizon planning to start using no financial support which would put them at a disadvantage.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Wedgetail737 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5223 posts, RR: 6 Reply 11, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 1878 times:
Will MOD be able to sustain pax traffic for the 70-pax aircraft? I wonder if we'll start seeing some Q200's down in California.
If that happened, that would be the first intra-California route for a Dash 8-100/200 in quite a while. I know US Airways Express (America West Express) flies Dash 8's into CA.
Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Reply 12, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1844 times:
Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 10): But what is the story with the SCASD grant? Modesto got $550,000 to attract MOD-LAX service, targeting Horizon.
This is still it's purpose. They plan to also use some PFC fees to pay off reimbursements. Additionally, it was mentioned there was a large "loan" taken out for something, but I can't officially prove evidence of this.
MOD can definitely handle the 70 seats, but it's a matter of ADVERTISING. If the service is to work, it needs just that. Unfortunately, half the people in Modesto barely even realize there is commercial service there, let alone an airport to begin with! With the right combo of a build up and good advertising, it could work very well. Not just for those in the MOD area, but also Merced, Stockton, etc. I have a feeling the service will do quite well.
One thing to mention though...while MOD can sustain the 70 seat Q400, how many flights per day would be uncertain. We'll see in the future for that one! The best person to ask for this would be AS739X, as he was recently quoted saying "Look for our MOD service soon!"
I honestly doubt the 100/200 DSH8 will ever come to MOD, as it seems to be something QX would like to make the past. I could be very wrong though, and don't deny that this is just my own speculation. Whatever comes about it, I hope it does well!
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 13, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1817 times:
Quoting Xpfg (Reply 12): This is still it's purpose. They plan to also use some PFC fees to pay off reimbursements. Additionally, it was mentioned there was a large "loan" taken out for something, but I can't officially prove evidence of this.
So I'm afraid I'm still confused, why does the city staff memo say, "The Airline Revenue Guarantee Agreement is pursuant to the grant funds requirements provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation ‘Small Community Air Service Grant’ that was awarded to Modesto City-County Airport in August 2005." It also says that SCASD will cover 86.4% of the revenue guarantee.
That comes across to me like the SCASD funds are going to be used by Skywest instead of Horizon.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
N1120A From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 25729 posts, RR: 86 Reply 14, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 1803 times:
Quoting Wedgetail737 (Reply 11): If that happened, that would be the first intra-California route for a Dash 8-100/200 in quite a while. I know US Airways Express (America West Express) flies Dash 8's into CA.
While HPX used to fly Dash-8s to a few more locations in CA, the only one I know of anymore is PSP, which gets a mix of CR2s, CR9s and DH8s
Mangeons les French fries, mais surtout pratiquons avec fierte le French kiss
DesertAir From Mexico, joined Jan 2006, 1331 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1791 times:
I find it interesting that Modesto has passenger service and Stockton cannot sustain any service at all. The last service there was HPExpress to Phoenix.
A few weeks ago while visiting parents I drove out to the airport and noticed that on the bulletin board the Airport meeting agenda included service by AM.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 16, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1789 times:
Quoting DesertAir (Reply 15): I find it interesting that Modesto has passenger service and Stockton cannot sustain any service at all. The last service there was HPExpress to Phoenix.
A few weeks ago while visiting parents I drove out to the airport and noticed that on the bulletin board the Airport meeting agenda included service by AM.
There are a couple of reasons why AWX didn't work out. But no matter what the reason, SCK is just that much closer to SMF to have strong competition.
AM is looking at starting the end of the year. Bids for the FIS construction work are supposed to requested next month, assuming everything stays on schedule.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Reply 17, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1783 times:
Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 13): So I'm afraid I'm still confused, why does the city staff memo say, "The Airline Revenue Guarantee Agreement is pursuant to the grant funds requirements provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation ‘Small Community Air Service Grant’ that was awarded to Modesto City-County Airport in August 2005." It also says that SCASD will cover 86.4% of the revenue guarantee.
My apologies on the wording there, FATFlyer. The "loan" talk was regarding QX, not OO. Again, all I heard was it was a substantial additional amount of money on top of the grant. I can't say anything more on it, as I know much of nothing more.
I really hope AS739X can chime in here on QX's behalf.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 18, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1772 times:
Quoting N1120A (Reply 14): While HPX used to fly Dash-8s to a few more locations in CA, the only one I know of anymore is PSP, which gets a mix of CR2s, CR9s and DH8s
I believe Carlsbad still sees 1X daily.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 19, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1769 times:
Quoting Xpfg (Reply 17): My apologies on the wording there, FATFlyer. The "loan" talk was regarding QX, not OO. Again, all I heard was it was a substantial additional amount of money on top of the grant. I can't say anything more on it, as I know much of nothing more.
Interesting, so what you are saying is Federal grant money would support MOD-LAX on UAX/Skywest, while possibly local borrowed money would support MOD-LAX on QX. That's a different kind of situation, creating competition like that.
I'll have to see if I can do some digging up that way next week to find out more.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
N1120A From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 25729 posts, RR: 86 Reply 20, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 1711 times:
Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 18): I believe Carlsbad still sees 1X daily.
Yep, correct.
Mangeons les French fries, mais surtout pratiquons avec fierte le French kiss
Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Reply 21, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 1706 times:
Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 19):
I'll have to see if I can do some digging up that way next week to find out more.
By all means, do! Anymore info and concrete backing that you can get is just as interesting as anything I would have. But the way you has said it regarding the loan is correct...at least, that's the way it was explained to me. Like I said, I can't attest or prove this in any way, and am treating it as a rumor for the most part (the loan).
Xpfg From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 613 posts, RR: 9 Reply 22, posted (6 years 2 months 2 weeks ago) and read 1627 times:
FATFlyer,
A response to an e-mail was written to my friend regarding the use of the SCASD funds will be all directed to OO. I have said this, but just wanted to put it in plain text, and re-iterate that you are also right.
Lastly, I still am unsure about this whole "loan" thing.
Wedgetail737 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 5223 posts, RR: 6 Reply 23, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 1554 times:
If the MOD-LAX does well, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, QX will open SEA-MOD.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5508 posts, RR: 21 Reply 24, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 1515 times:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
25 Xpfg: Unfortunately, I can't read this here at work. SkyWest restricts us to viewing mainly only airline sites, but airliners.net seems to be an exception.
26 Wedgetail737: I know. It's a long-shot. But ATA flying between OAK and ITO was never expected.
27 AS739X: If/when QX starts MOD-LAX, it will still be a PDX based A/C like all flights are now. QX has nothing based at LAX and doesn't plan to. They route thei
28 Copaair737: Wedgetail- I agree, OAK-ITO was very unexpected for me. I think seeing PDX-MOD eventually wouldn't be that surprising, given the large growth of the C
29 Trvlr: And I think it's going 2x daily for the summer. At least, that's what OAG says. Aaron G.
31 Copaair737: Xpfg- Well, US as America West, they are the same company now these days. There is mainline LAS-FAT coming in April I believe. -Copa
32 Xpfg: Ah, I was unaware of mainline coming in. If this is true, very cool, and should put some jetways into use at FAT I hope!
33 FATFlyer: Exactly, they are converting one of the 2 CR9 flights to an A319 in a few weeks.
34 ILOVEA340: The funny thing is that that is now yet another airport with expanding service that can get me relatively close to home. I've got 3 airports whithin 4
35 Copaair737: MOD service isn't much. I think I've only flown out of there once. I use FAT when I can, then SMF, and after t hat, I go to the Bay Area. I never have
36 Xpfg: Just copied down the current schedule set for MOD once the LAX service begins. All flights are to start May 2nd. The days flights are as follows: Depa
37 Stirling: Thanks for putting up the times Xpfg. The 0625 rotation to LAX...I wonder if that will be changing once fog season rolls around? To something around 0
38 Copaair737: Looks like a decent schedule. If I were still living down there, I'd fly on it down to LAX. I hope people start using MOD more and more as the new ser
39 Stirling: From what I understand, if Horizon can allocate the aircraft, they're more than welcome too! Forgot to ask..... What is the arrival time in LAX? If it
40 Xpfg: Stirling, it's slated to be right around 1:05. Chalk time will add an extra 5 min. or so, so 1:10 to the gate, or around there. The prices will not b
41 Goldenshield: MOD-LAX will not be an at-risk route; it originates at, and returns to a hub.
42 Stirling: Actually. $180-$200 isn't that bad...I've been running the numbers...what it costs me now for a one day business trip (which is actually 2 days becaus
43 Xpfg: Goldenshield...While it is a hub route, it will be at risk. Additionally, MOD-SFO will be going to at risk as well. I got this info from the MOD stat
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