UnitedMSY From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 6751 times:
I was down at GPT today, and from what I have been told by Airport people, 2 new airlines are slated to enter this market soon. We are currently served by:
My guess is the other 2 would be USAirways and United, because Southwest is big in MSY, and jetBlue is big there as well. Seems logical to have United in here especially, with all the better connection options to the Midwest via ORD (Something DL cannot provide too well through ATL). I hope for United, I think they could do well here just like in MSY, granted we would be a smaller market for them here. I currently drive to MSY for UA flights to ORD, I refuse to use ATL to get to the 3rd largest and probaly finest city in the US. USAirways would do good too, although Delta already provides the Northeast connections. With our large Asian population, it would be a benefit to connect to ORD as United is the ONLY U.S. airline to serve Vietnam. I am really pulling for UA in GPT, I know its possible. GPT is terribly underserved, and when new service is announced, it's "Big Comfy MD-88's to Atlanta!" not "UA adds 2 dailies to ORD" or "USAirways adds 2 CLT's", let's get some real news around here.....the terminal expansion is going ok, so it will be ready soon.
Falcon flyer From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 1293 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 6673 times:
Could one of them be Allegiant ? Maybe start a small scale operation like it has at Laughlin ?
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United777atGU From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 183 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 6596 times:
I hope it is UA too, since they just announced service to Huntsville, Alabama recently. They also have 3 daily non-stops to IAD from MSY, all of which are now mainline (the newest / third addition was express turned mainline during the fall....but what am I saying, you already know all this stuff!!). It'd be nice to see United down there and give people more options...
I hope for the best.
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4739 posts, RR: 30 Reply 3, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 6583 times:
My vote goes to Allegiant. The market would be a good fit for them.
Um, jetBlue only has 2 flights a day to New Orleans. I really don't know how that can be considered "big"
Quoting UnitedMSY (Thread starter): With our large Asian population, it would be a benefit to connect to ORD as United is the ONLY U.S. airline to serve Vietnam.
And that service originates in SFO. It would make more sense for United to restore their MSY-SFO flight, which is the last remaining hub they need to restore.
Quoting Falcon flyer (Reply 1):
Could one of them be Allegiant ? Maybe start a small scale operation like it has at Laughlin ?
I think GPT probably already has too much competition for G4, including an LCC presence with FL. Further, MSY is so close that they are working against even more. I would see G4 in MOB or PNS before GPT.
Mangeons les French fries, mais surtout pratiquons avec fierte le French kiss
TrijetsRMissed From United States of America, joined Oct 2006, 2099 posts, RR: 6 Reply 5, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 6538 times:
Could one of them be Allegiant ? Maybe start a small scale operation like it has at Laughlin ?
I think GPT probably already has too much competition for G4, including an LCC presence with FL. Further, MSY is so close that they are working against even more. I would see G4 in MOB or PNS before GPT.
Well one thing is certain, G4 will likely expand in some form as the AS MD-83's are delivered, whether it be to the routes you listed or others.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Reply 6, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 6500 times:
A few non-stops from Allegiant to some new markets might be possible.
But remember that the Laughlin operation is actually a charter service for Harrahs. So IF it was Allegiant you could only be looking at flights that go once a day to bring gamblers into the Grand Biloxi. That would not benefit the area much.
Would they start a small operation like at PIE to smaller cities for vacationers? I don't know, I'd have my doubts about that right now. But Allegiant has been making interesting moves lately.
Besides the ones mentioned there are a number of other possibles to ponder. An ExpressJet focus city? One of the new announced airlines like SkyValue?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
UnitedMSY From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 6434 times:
Oh yeah, I hope MSY gets UA back to SFO as well. It was insane for them to fly RJ's from MSY to OKC and STL, only to cancel the flight because they had no passengers booked. I got off the plane one time in MSY, and they had TWO pax going to STL. Unacceptable! They filled the SFO flights from what I have been told, so I hope they restore them ASAP. I still think GPT could support UAX, I have a feeling it will be UAX. Allegiant, we dont need them. We are flooded with service to Florida as it stands, we need an airline that can carry both business (post hurricane biz is strong) and tourism (the casinos) to GPT.
UnitedMSY From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 6425 times:
That was mighty stupid to pull GPT-MCO, those flights usually went out pretty full. Dont expect to see G4 in MOB, that place is getting screwed royally. With PNS on the right, and GPT on the left, they have taken the brunt of the storm. They continue to loose traffic daily, and their fares are soaring. GPT picks up a ton of their traffic, as well as PNS, and occasionally MSY. I have doubts to MOB, especially after DL has raped them of most of their service (added more flights to GPT, MSY, and PNS). Expect G4 in GPT or MSY before MOB.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Reply 10, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 6420 times:
Allegiant at MSY is very unlikely. It doesn't fit their model since MSY already has flights to LAS, TPA and Orlando. And I don't see a new focus city at MSY, although more are coming.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Southsky From United States of America, joined Sep 2005, 56 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 5920 times:
Quoting UnitedMSY (Reply 9): Expect G4 in GPT or MSY before MOB.
The lack of LCC service and service in general would put MOB above GPT in expansion order in my book. GPT already has Air Tran going to three destinations and MOB has zero LCCs. In fact, if G4 can get to LAS without any weight (etc) restrictions from MOB, I think you would definitely see daily flights not long after service commencement.
MSYtristar From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 6242 posts, RR: 51 Reply 14, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 5859 times:
I can see United Express and US Airways Express RJ's flying into GPT. I think GPT-CLT/ORD could work.
Allegiant...that's an interesting one...GPT-LAS anyone? Maybe twice weekly, service connecting two major casino meccas in the U.S. I don't think you'll see GPT-SFB...way too thin of a market...if DL couldn't make GPT-MCO work, there's no way Allegiant could fill an MD-80.
As a side note, The entire Gulf Coast region is in the midst of a tremendous building spree currently....lots of new economic development all the way from New Orleans through Gulfport/Biloxi and on to Mobile....the airlines will slowly get used to this idea and add more service accordingly.
N1120A From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 25852 posts, RR: 79 Reply 16, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 5820 times:
Quoting MSYtristar (Reply 14): Allegiant...that's an interesting one...GPT-LAS anyone? Maybe twice weekly, service connecting two major casino meccas in the U.S.
If that could make money, someone would have started ACY-LAS a long time ago. Really, both airports are too centered around the D end of O&D.
Mangeons les French fries, mais surtout pratiquons avec fierte le French kiss
UnitedMSY From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 17, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 5781 times:
Actually GPT-SFB was a rolling success with Southeast DC-9 charters in 2000. Southeast went belly up, and the route was scrapped. Dont count on Allegiant in MOB, seriously. MOB already had their chance with Valujet, Airtran, United, and so forth....and all those carriers left on the basis that "Delta drove us out". Delta dont control anything in GPT thankfully, as AirTran is mutilating their loads, so that is good for the competition, which would allow USAir and United to enter the market. Delta cant even fill an MD-88 to half capacity on a normal basis here, DL is just sending them in as a "protection" from AirTran. So look for more expansions here in GPT, and MSY, as Delta looses its "southern grip" and more airlines, like MSYtristar said, begin to roll in.
SouthSky From United States of America, joined Sep 2005, 56 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days ago) and read 5702 times:
Quoting UnitedMSY (Reply 17): MOB already had their chance with Valujet, Airtran, United, and so forth....and all those carriers left on the basis that "Delta drove us out"
When Sun Country ran scheduled "charters" to MSP from MOB one and two year(s) ago they experienced like 97% loads. The reason: the airline used MOB's budding cruise industry and sent down newer planes (738's) and travelers responded. I think G4 can use the same formula, but in reverse. If G4 comes along I believe the planes will fill up. If an airline will give the market a chance with service that compares to DL out of MOB (mainline - so most likely an LCC) they will do well.
UA's service died because of 9-11 along with their money troubles. If I remember correctly, they had 70-80 LFs - nothing spectacular - but not bad at all.
Srbmod From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 16888 posts, RR: 51 Reply 19, posted (6 years 6 months 5 days ago) and read 5677 times:
Quoting MSYtristar (Reply 14): Allegiant...that's an interesting one...GPT-LAS anyone? Maybe twice weekly, service connecting two major casino meccas in the U.S
Not bloody likely. The only folks that probably fly between these two cities use their company's private jets.
Allegiant into GPT is an interesting thought though. I'm sure there are some markets that could support several times a week service into the city. I could also see them potentially adding service into UTA since Pan Am Clipper Connection bailed on their UTA-ATL service last month. Allegiant's dealings with Harrah's and some of the other casino companies could potentially make one of both of those cities happen.
As for the other airline, I would go with either US or UA.
Zone1 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1033 posts, RR: 7 Reply 20, posted (6 years 6 months 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 5657 times:
Quoting UnitedMSY (Reply 17): Dont count on Allegiant in MOB, seriously. MOB already had their chance with Valujet, Airtran, United, and so forth....and all those carriers left on the basis that "Delta drove us out".
One thing is very different these days in MOB, though. DL only controls about 45% of the market; down from like 70% a couple of years ago. DL has cut service to MOB drastically in the last year and a half. Everyone has picked up DL's market share. However, with the cut in seats, fares have skyrocketed. Eventually someone will call DL's bluff in MOB and the new entrant could do well. I think UA could have a chance in MOB now.
For GPT I really don't see two Star Alliance carriers starting service at the same time. It would be great if United started service but I think US will be one of them. For the other airline, take your pick of the smaller LCC's. There are plenty of other cities in the southeast that UA would probably serve over GPT.
Falcon flyer From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 1293 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (6 years 6 months 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 5349 times:
Quoting MSYtristar (Reply 14): I don't think you'll see GPT-SFB...way too thin of a market
Quoting UnitedMSY (Reply 17): Actually GPT-SFB was a rolling success with Southeast DC-9 charters in 2000.
GPT-SFB may not be as thin a market as you might think. In addition to the Southeast charters operated in 2000, SFB was one of the destinations served by the RenoAir Gulf Coast Flyer operation. With Allegiants penchant for once and twice weekly frequencies, they might be the carrier to finally make it work.
My definition of cool ? Not trying so hard to be cool.
FlyPNS1 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 6049 posts, RR: 25 Reply 22, posted (6 years 6 months 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 4769 times:
Quoting Southsky (Reply 12): In fact, if G4 can get to LAS without any weight (etc) restrictions from MOB, I think you would definitely see daily flights not long after service commencement.
Why fly all the way to LAS for a casinos when you have (or will have) casinos just down the road in Gulfport/Biloxi. Once they are fully up to speed, the Mississippi Gulf Coast will have more than 10 full service casinos....that kills off part of the demand for LAS service.
I could see GPT-CLT service on US or maybe GPT-IAD on UA. ORD is tougher because with slot restrictions, its hard for AA/UA to add flights without dropping flights elsewhere.
Srbmod From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 16888 posts, RR: 51 Reply 23, posted (6 years 6 months 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 4667 times:
Quoting FlyPNS1 (Reply 22): Why fly all the way to LAS for a casinos when you have (or will have) casinos just down the road in Gulfport/Biloxi. Once they are fully up to speed, the Mississippi Gulf Coast will have more than 10 full service casinos....that kills off part of the demand for LAS service.
Boils down to a matter of preference. While the casinos in Mississippi (Both Gulf Coast and Tunica) are less than a half day's drive for a large part of the southern US (and within the drive vs. fly threshold for many), some would rather spend the same amount of time (or less) to fly to Las Vegas. Myself, I'd rather fly to Las Vegas than drive to Biloxi.
Then you have folks who may make multiple trips to the Gulf Coast casinos (or up to Tunica) but take a trip or two to Las Vegas. Those multiple trips to a casino's property in Mississippi may fund a trip to Las Vegas.
GentFromAlaska From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 2075 posts, RR: 2 Reply 24, posted (6 years 6 months 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4568 times:
My vote goes to F9. It was discussed the Denver based carrier might be looking at Baton Rouge. GPT seem a better choice. If memory serves me GPT is about seventy miles from NOLA.
Man can be taken from Alaska. Alaska can never be taken from the man.
25 FATFlyer: Actually not, the more comfortable people are with gambling the more they go gambling and the more they go to Vegas. Nearly 2/3s of the Vegas visitor
26 UnitedMSY: Yeah I would look for GPT-IAD first, before ORD on UAX. I still support it, if UAX entered GPT, and I would make a double commute via IAD to ORD to su
27 MSYtristar: I don't think you'd see F9 going to GPT, nor do I think DEN-BTR is a great idea. Now I could maayyybee see UA fly DEN-GPT down the road...but I think
28 UnitedMSY: Oh the water here is nasty, it looks like someone used the bathroom in it. We drive to Pensacola if we want to go swimming. I would bathe in Lake P. i
29 MSYtristar: Before Katrina I used to go out on my friends boat to go tubing in Lake P...never really a bad experience. And it's kind of cool that you could be se
30 MAH4546: Very regional. However, oddly enough, Las Vegas is one of their top ten O&D markets, probably lot's of casino business traffic. 1) Atlanta 232 2) Tam
31 Dsuairptman: Ironic that I just flew through GPT yesterday. The market diffently can support additional growth, however I think it will be Summer 2007 before any n
32 GentFromAlaska: Geeze twelve airframes at a time. I remember the days in 1982 when Republic was the only carrier that served GPT. GPT-MOB-ATL. If you were traveling
33 DSUAIRPTMAN: Very true. when the terminal first opened it only had two jet ways and very little ramp space. All that could really fit back then was a couple of ba
34 MSYtristar: I know we're looking into the future here, and this is my prediction of service at GPT...a little more realistic considering the market is almost all
35 UnitedMSY: I could see UAX entering GPT with the CRJ-200 at first, to ORD, then upgrading to one of our planes, a 170 or a CRJ-700. As it stands right now, MESA
37 Dsuairptman: You should really watch what you say as to some this sounds contradictory. If you do pull for GPT, then promote new service, but DO NOT BITCH about t
38 Dsuairptman: How do you know this and where are the numbers behind this? FYI CO was ready to upgrade another flight to ERJ pre Katrina, as the market rebuilds, mo
39 MAH4546: The O&D list shows that anything more than 2x to ORD is overkill. Anything more than 2x CLT-GPT isn't happening, and no airline in there right mind w
40 FCYTravis: DLConx does not have an aircraft availability problem. They have a "way too many high-CASM 50-seat RJ" problem. The MCO RJ-minihub was a stopgap desp
41 Dsuairptman: I flat out disagree with you big time on this. CLT 3x would happen. This would provide a convenant alternative to nearby ATL while stimulating growth
42 N1120A: Not to mention that people can gamble to their heart's content in New Orleans anyway. 47 seats a day are sold. 2 CRJs ends up being 100. 3 is definat
43 MAH4546: It is 47 both ways, so 2 CRJs is 200. No, it isn't. Charlotte-Gulfport has so little O&D (>10), DOT doesn't even register it. The Gulfport/Biloxi reg
44 MSYtristar: Actually, I am right. Sorry. Dsuairprtman, you're living in a dream land if you think GPT can support all that service. Time to come back to reality!
45 MSYtristar: There has been no magnificent growth....what qualifies as magnificent? A couple of MD-88 upgrades? A 737 upgraded to IAH? Come one. GPT will always b
46 UnitedMSY: MSYtristar does have a point. GPT is going to grow, of course, but it will always be second class to MSY. In GPT you still cannot board a nonstop to L
47 A330323X: So, if in your words, USX usually launches markets with three dailies, why then should we expect four dailies here? And when's the last time US has s
48 N1120A: Not to mention the fact that the region's air transport needs are well covered by MSY, which is a rather easy drive anyway. If Mobile, a much larger
49 FCYTravis: It'll be interesting to see how that works out with any attempt to connect more Midwest dots to the East Coast hubs. OMA-PHL on a US CRJ would be hel
50 Zone1: I seriously doubt that most of Mobile's traffic flies out of MSY. Most of the MOB traffic that is not going to actually fly out of MOB goes out of PN
51 DLCnxgptjax: I read in a sun herald article that one of the new gates will be able to support chartered 767 size jets. The only reason I could see an aircraft the
52 N1120A: The big issues is the variety of service, even at 2/3rds of pre-K capacity, as compares to the other 3. Beyond that, the drive is only 2 hours.
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