What cities will they add and which focus cities? Well in terms of new cities Gallagher refers to problems Allegiant has had at a couple of airports they have served in the past when he said, ""Fuel is a pain in the ass," says Gallagher, but it represents 40% of Allegiant's expenses. "So I'm in the fuel business." Airports should not "outsource and forget" fuelling services. "A monopoly fueller is a serious competitive handicap. We literally have a number of cities we won't go into because of this. They are not just making a living off us they are making a killing off us, and we are just not going to do it."
So airports with only one fueller will not be added to Allegiant's network any time soon. Beyond that, well any guesses?
The up to 5 new focus cities are also guesses at this point. My thought is it will be a mix in both the east and west to allow them to add more focus cities from airports that are doing well. And remember they look for major tourist destinations, what they call "world-class resort areas".
In the west possible focus city rumors I've heard (as I've posted before) include SJD and PVR in Mexico; something in Southern California, both the Los Angeles and San Diego areas but no idea what airport it might be; something to serve the southwest desert resorts like Mesa/Phoenix area; Hawaii; and we can't forget PSP.
In the east I haven't heard much yet but maybe another Florida city; a Caribbean island; or ???
I'm sure Gallagher also provoked more than a few discussions with a couple of his other statements about airport costs that are also included in the article.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
KcrwFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2004, 3629 posts, RR: 7 Reply 1, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 4333 times:
50 cities, nice.
where can they open 5 focus cities!? Unless they're going to stray from the vacation travel base.
Flyinryan99 From United States of America, joined Feb 2001, 1919 posts, RR: 11 Reply 2, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 4295 times:
I'm still hoping for them to do a RSW/MYR combo. MYR during the summer and RSW during the winter. Would be instant hits from most midwest cities, a lot of Ohioans use MYR as a vacation spot and RSW for the snowbirds Good luck to them.
Mikey711MN From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1380 posts, RR: 8 Reply 4, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 4261 times:
I've gotta think that they'll stick to vacation/leisure spots, so my guesses would be MSY, ACY, RNO, SGF, and BRO. Somehow I don't think that they'll venture out of the US at this point.
ERJ170 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 6626 posts, RR: 19 Reply 5, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 4246 times:
Focus city = MYR? Freeport? Bermuda? Mexico near CUN? Canada near Toronto?
B6WNQX From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 238 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 4188 times:
LGB does not have any slots open that they could use. I believe even the commuter slots are taken, but Allegiant couldn't use those unless they got smaller planes. If I am not mistaken, SNA is also slot controlled and maxed out.
Commavia From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 10193 posts, RR: 62 Reply 7, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 4164 times:
I'm sure AA is thrilled by this news, as each new MD80 Allegiant puts into service will likely be another airframe overhauled by AA mechanics in Tulsa. Although, I question whether 5 new focus cities and 50 new markets is realistically possible and/or sustainable within 5 years. Should be interesting to watch.
ERJ170 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 6626 posts, RR: 19 Reply 8, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 4160 times:
I can only imagine it would b in AA best interest to sale their MD80s to Allegiant to insure continued work for their TUL facility...
KcrwFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2004, 3629 posts, RR: 7 Reply 9, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day ago) and read 4096 times:
Quoting ERJ170 (Reply 5): Focus city = MYR? Freeport? Bermuda? Mexico near CUN? Canada near Toronto?
New cities = PHN? CRW? HGR?
Assuming they dont think that HTS and CRW are the same market, which would be foolish of them, they could easily do well at CRW. HGR would probably work as well. They could draw from a good population base in the Western DC suburbs and Martinsburg.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Reply 10, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 1 day ago) and read 4050 times:
Quoting ERJ170 (Reply 5): New cities = PHN? CRW? HGR?
Is there more than one refueller at PHN, CRW, HGR? That seems to be a new negative for them given the bad experiences they have had with high prices at some airports. For example they announced then cancelled Waco because the sole fuel contractor at the last minute raised the refueling fees that Allegiant was going to be charged.
Quoting B6WNQX (Reply 6): If I am not mistaken, SNA is also slot controlled and maxed out.
Correct, both SNA and LGB are out due to the lack of available slots. Which is what makes any talk in Southern Calif interesting. I would imagine that Disneyland would be a tourist draw they would want to work with but all I can think of is ONT. But of course there might be something like SBD to consider.
Quoting Commavia (Reply 7): Although, I question whether 5 new focus cities and 50 new markets is realistically possible and/or sustainable within 5 years. Should be interesting to watch.
They went from only having flights from FAT and COS to LAS in Dec 2002 to their current size of 50 cities (as of May), 3 focus cities and something like 68 markets. So basically 4.5 years to the first 50. It will be interesting to see what they can do in the next 5.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
Flyboy7974 From United States of America, joined Jan 2003, 1540 posts, RR: 2 Reply 11, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 16 hours ago) and read 3890 times:
looking at their model of business so far, and it seems to be working, I would guess they'd be looking at markets like RNO, IFP, UTA, MYR, PSP, and I would think something to tap into the northeast to grab the market, but again, leisure destinations that can support the other than daily frequencies that Allegiant is traditionally known for, but, always have the potential to be proven otherwise. I say RNO, I honestly mean TVL though but I'm more realistic that hopes and reality are two different measures sometimes for us here on the boards, right? But, I think they are happy with the RNO/IFP program they have been providing Harrahs with, and maybe, they can expand that with a track program with Harrahs Tahoe and TVL and skip the RNO drive all together. Same with the other destinations, UTA/MYR/PSP, all areas with seasonal high traffic demands and the resorts to support them.
Also, no chance they'd ever get into SNA I think simply because of the slot control of the airport and moreso, noise abatements versus a/c performance and limitations. I think that's why they already use LGB so much for their Harrahs track program which sees Allegiant flights numerous times a month traditionally.
Sidenote, where did the DC-9-21 and the DC-9-51 a/c go that Allegiant originally operated? I flew on the DC-9-21 and shortly thereafter they added the -51, but I couldn't find anything in the database on here.
717fan From Switzerland, joined Nov 2001, 2017 posts, RR: 7 Reply 12, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 15 hours ago) and read 3862 times:
Quoting Flyboy7974 (Reply 11): Sidenote, where did the DC-9-21 and the DC-9-51 a/c go that Allegiant originally operated? I flew on the DC-9-21 and shortly thereafter they added the -51, but I couldn't find anything in the database on here.
Isn't the DC-9-21 with Perris Skydive.....must be thrilling to jump out of a DC-9!!!
AvConsultant From United States of America, joined Feb 2006, 1360 posts, RR: 3 Reply 14, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 15 hours ago) and read 3827 times:
Quoting KcrwFlyer (Reply 9): Do you need ETOPS to fly to CUN or Mermuda?
PVD757 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3375 posts, RR: 18 Reply 15, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 14 hours ago) and read 3782 times:
any venture outside the US will also have to be a pre-clearance market since many of the smaller cities they currnetly serve don't have FIS and/or CBP facilities/services.
I'm always good to play the guessing games so here goes (new focus cities):
Steeler83 From United States of America, joined Feb 2006, 8816 posts, RR: 19 Reply 16, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 12 hours ago) and read 3692 times:
Does PIT have only one fueller? Even at that, I don't think Allegiant will make an entry at all. Can't go into a market where there are no pax to fill the planes...
Do not bring stranger girt into your room. The stranger girt is dangerous, it will hurt your life.
FATFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2001, 5668 posts, RR: 17 Reply 17, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 11 hours ago) and read 3634 times:
Quoting PVD757 (Reply 15): any venture outside the US will also have to be a pre-clearance market since many of the smaller cities they currnetly serve don't have FIS and/or CBP facilities/services.
Actually there are quite a few. I believe it is something like 30-40% of the current 50 cities have a FIS or have FIS under construction. For example in the west there is:
FAT
SCK
SMX
PSP
BLI
I would not be surprised to come up with another 10 or 15 in the midwest and east.
Also, Maurice Gallagher is always thinking in unconventional ways. As I mentioned yesterday he made some interesting comments about airports at the conference also, like that airports should be free or near free to the airlines. More of a challenge to the airports to lower what airlines pay I think than a real desire that they be cost free. "We don't like the indirect method of pricing. Allegiant generates passengers and airports should collect their money from passengers, not airlines," Gallagher told the 250 airline route planners and airport marketers attending Network 2007, co-hosted by Tampa International Airport and St Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport. "Allegiant generates non-traditional revenues, airports should too."
Airports should tap the travellers Allegiant brings to the airport for their revenue, just as the airline does on board. "We put a lot of cars in your parking lots," he said. While no fees to airlines is not something many airports can stomach, Gallagher's message is clear: "We want low permanent costs, not temporary incentives." Allegiant's often infrequent service does not warrant airbridges or dedicated space. "We need a creative and flexible approach to getting into your airport," he said. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...ffic-magnets-network-americas.html
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
TOLtommy From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3221 posts, RR: 4 Reply 18, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 8 hours ago) and read 3522 times:
The "part year" focus cities probably won't happen, because all Allegiant crews are based in the focus city. I believe all of their trip patterns are one-day rotations, home every night. Planes and crews overnight at their "home base" every night. No expensive hotel layovers. That would also rule out Mexican focus cities. So the focus cities will likely be in warm weather destinations. MYR isn't enough of a year round destination. Many airlines have gotten burned trying to make MYR a year round destination.
Isitsafenow From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4984 posts, RR: 26 Reply 19, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 8 hours ago) and read 3522 times:
Quoting Commavia (Reply 7): I'm sure AA is thrilled by this news
I'm more thrilled than AA because my stock in ALGT should now start a steady climb.
safe
If two people agree on EVERYTHING, then one isn't necessary.
Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 10): Is there more than one refueller at PHN
You guys aren't seriously considering Port Huron Michigan are you?
Or did you mean HPN? White Planins, NY
Or did you mean PHF? Newport News, VA
When I read the OP, the first place that came to mind was the Bahamas...Freeport and/or Nassau.
Niagara Falls.....too limited of tourist infrastructure, and very seasonal at that.
Reno...The "Biggest Little City" is turning into a regional drive to destination, not that airlines are not necessary, I just don't see Reno being as significant as it was before the Indian Casino boom.
Otherwise, Atlantic City has a shot, as does an "undiscovered" Mexican coastal resort...someplace that has not already been exploited to the max already....CUN and SJD have so much capacity right now, is there room for Allegiant?
A Gulf Coast destination seems logical, Gulfport, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, I would even stretch that to include New Orleans.
Myrtle Beach is ready for an airline to come in and last longer than 12 months....But it would be seasonal at best.
Long shot: Denver, in ski season. Downside to this is Mother Nature; if there is little snow, the whole plan goes flying out the window.
Another, but longer shot: Springfield/Branson.
Wherever it is, the destination needs a wealth of lodging options and attractions....since the commisions they earn on these packages is a big addition to their bottom line.
My honorable mentions would go to: Mesa/Phoenix, Rio Grande Valley, Savannah, Florida's Space Coast, Manzanillo, and West Palm Beach.
TOLtommy From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3221 posts, RR: 4 Reply 23, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 7 hours ago) and read 3419 times:
Don't forget, Allegiant likes to sell packages, not seats. The focus city will need to be someplace with lots of hotel rooms available. ACY fits the bill, and the airport authority would probably help them set up the operation. GPT could work as well.
PVD757 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 3375 posts, RR: 18 Reply 24, posted (6 years 2 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 3362 times:
SFB is really close to MLB and the space coast, therefore I don't think MLB would work that well. G4 could simply expand thier ops at SFB and sell space coast packages if they aren't already.
FPO and NAS are pre-clearance I believe - so I'd add those into the mix now that I think (and read) about those.
ACY also seems very logical for the reasons talked about already. It would bode well for G4 to find one that works somewhere in the middle of the country to be able to tap into the majority of it's (smaller) outstations. I just can't think of that many 3 or 4 'season' touristy destinations that could support thier business plan - could SGF draw enough year round demand??
Too bad tornado hunting wasn't bigger, they could open up a focus in Topeka or something...
25 Nosedive: Two feet in 24 hours is more than just a little. They were in Denver before, and they pulled out, probably citing landing fees and that they did not
26 FATFlyer: No, they had a charter contract at DEN (with Apple Vacations I believe). Since they had an aircraft based there that was not being fully utilized the
27 Luketenley: If they would fly to MYR they would have a hard time competing with the new Myrtle Beach Direct airline we have now. I dont see PIT getting them anyt
28 Nosedive: Learn something new everyday! Thanks!
29 N353SK: I definitely think that either PFN, VPS, or possibly PNS are on the list. Any one of those airports would be gracious to get another carrier and woul
30 Steeler83: Oh yeah, I forgot that MYR based airline serving MYR-PIT-MYR using 737-300 aircraft. Do you know how that is doing? A little off topic, I guess it wi
31 EXAAUADL: 5 focus cities is pushing it....I can see FLL perhaps a winter ski destination or perhaps a destination in Mexico...maybe SJU?
32 Luketenley: It just started up. I havent heard anything about it yet. Kinda still early in the MYR travel season yet. Give it another 2 months and we will see it
33 PHLBOS: That'll be the day. NIMBYs in Bedford & Lexington raised a major stink with Shuttle America's DHC-8s and later USExpress Saabs; they were jumping for
35 Sacamojus: What is the possibility of G4 starting a flight from LAL to one of their new focus cities. I know LAL is only an hour drive from both SFB and PIE, but
36 ExFATboy: While it's true that RNO isn't the casino destination it used to be, it could still work for Allegiant if marketed as "Reno-Tahoe" - golf and lake sp
37 Mkirch72: I agree strongly with Wilmington, Delaware. I lived in Newark for 2 years and was shocked that there is ZERO commercial airline service. Look at the
38 SansVGs: i saw an Allegiant Mad Dog land in CMH today...wonder why?
39 LHPDX: Damn..It would be cool if they made PDX one of their focus cities..........
40 Flyboy1108: I could possibly see ACY working out, but ILG is IMO too close to ABE, where Allegiant already has a very strong operation. Perhaps maybe 3 or so SFB
41 Stirling: You are looking at it from the wrong direction. FNL and COS are not the destinations, Las Vegas is. We are talking about new focus cities for Allegia
42 FATFlyer: Harrahs charter returning from Laughlin. The group went out last Friday.
44 UnitedMSY: I could tell you GPT is on their radar, its almost official. I have buddies in the airport there who have confirmed Allegiant's interest and plans for
45 N353SK: Is this going to be Casino subsidized like the FL flights? Is GPT going to be the "focus city" or are they going to start GPT-LAS, PIE, etc.?
46 Buddys747: Hopefully MDT makes the list. There is more than enough demand for more direct flights out of MDT.
47 Floridaflyboy: I know it's an odd thought, but what about maybe a central focus city like a Chicago area airport or something. There is a lot of tourism in Chicago,
48 Itsnotfinals: IWA (Williams Field -Mesa/Phoenix) would be excellent http://www.flywga.org/ Alligent already has an occassional flight to Laughlin and Reno We alrea
49 Humberside: Heres an idea, not sure how feasible it would be, but Have a base at somewhere like RFD, but instead of focusing on inbound trafic, focus on outbound
50 Flyinryan99: Well, they announced GPT-LAS and GPT-SFB today...but what is interesting is on the allegiant.com homepage, it has Gulfport listed under the air/hotel
51 Delta767: Anyone think a GSO-LAS flight would work? Now that they've announced service to Orlando and Tampa Bay, Im hoping Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem a
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