FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Posted (7 years 1 week 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 1903 times:
This was a surprise.
Although operating from VGT, Scenic has done well in some of the smaller markets and just announced they would start non-EAS subsidized flights between Merced and Reno beginning this week. All Scenic cities have seen growth and I know people who have used the VIS service to connect to other flights at LAS.
But it appears that Scenic will end all passenger flights in late summer. They plan on returning to operating only Grand Canyon sight-seeing flights.
It appears Scenic has been hit hard by fuel costs plus it will returning aircraft when the leases are up in July and has not found any replacement aircraft.
The move means they will end flights at Elko, Ely, Visalia, and Merced. All are EAS cities and so the DOT will start taking service proposals from other airlines in the next few weeks.
Mesa Air Group and Great Lakes Airlines both look to be interested in some or all of the Scenic cities.
Iowaman From United States of America, joined May 2004, 4099 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (7 years 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 1882 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Definitely surprising news. Hopefully this will work out the best for these airports, especially if they can get direct service in to LAS or some other major airport instead of VGT.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Reply 4, posted (7 years 1 week 22 hours ago) and read 1740 times:
When Merced's EAS came up for new proposals, Mesa, under the Air Midwest certificate, proposed America West Express flights to LAS on 1900s. Mesa wanted $725,494 to $999,993 per year depending upon the schedule chosen. Scenic got $696,788. The city preferred Scenic because it was established in Merced and brought tourists from Vegas headed to Yosemite.
When Visalia's EAS came up, Great Lakes proposed flights to LAX connecting with UA using either 1900s. Scenic asked for $450,000 a year to VGT while Great Lakes wanted between $799,946 to $1,412,932 to fly to LAX.
Quoting Wedgetail737 (Reply 3): They could always try soliciting Vision Air.
Vision Air opposed the EAS renewal at Merced this year because they wanted to serve Merced as an on demand Part 135 carrier. I think it was a matter of Vision wanting to offer flights from VGT to Merced as part of Yosemite tours from Vegas.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Stirling From Italy, joined Jun 2004, 3943 posts, RR: 27 Reply 5, posted (7 years 1 week 22 hours ago) and read 1726 times:
What a mess!
Did anyone see this coming? I know many people in the area will be very disappointed by this news.
From the Silver Lining department.
Less competition now for the planned SCK-LAS G4 flights.
Which, according to the latest USAToday, appear to be off to a good start booking wise. http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/
Quote: Early signs point to a successful entry: "Advance ticket sales are greatly exceeding Allegiant's expectations," airport director Barry Rondinella is quoted as saying by the Tri-Valley Herald of central California.
(Wow, Stockton garnered TWO (2) mentions in today's travel section. Must have been a slow news day for Ben!)
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, 
From Italy, joined Jun 2004, 3943 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
