Floridaflyboy From United States, joined Jun 2006, 1478 posts, RR: 2 Posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 3585 times:
Well, we've been hearing the rumors about BIL-ATL for a while now, and it seems Delta's finally going to give it a go next year on a seasonal basis, likely similar to the setup for the FCA-ATL flight, which has been a big hit (not to mention BZN-ATL, which has been popular also). They also discuss other Montana-related service issues. It all sounds good for the state, but I guess we'll believe it when we see it. Still, a good sign for aviation in Montana.
GPIARFF From United States, joined Jun 2007, 201 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 3277 times:
Quoting KELPkid (Reply 2): Sounds like long range RJ hop if ever there was one...
I'm sure it won't start, at least initially, on mainline equipment.
The FCA-ATL is Tue and Sat on a 737 and almost always full. In fact so successful they had talked about year round. So I wouldn't be so sure that it would be RJ service
Floridaflyboy From United States, joined Jun 2006, 1478 posts, RR: 2 Reply 5, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3027 times:
Quoting KELPkid (Reply 2): Sounds like long range RJ hop if ever there was one...
I'm sure it won't start, at least initially, on mainline equipment.
I'm almost certain it will not be an RJ route. BZN has 738s and 757s flying BZN-ATL, and FCA has 738s flying FCA-ATL, so I'm pretty sure BIL-ATL would also be 738s. It will definitely be nice to have another hub choice than SLC. I love SLC, but I certainly miss the days of Comair CR7s to CVG.
Floridaflyboy From United States, joined Jun 2006, 1478 posts, RR: 2 Reply 6, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3006 times:
Quoting NWAESC (Reply 4): Maybe a good route for the E75? Not sure of the range, though....
Never thought of the E75. That wouldn't be half bad. I would rather see 5 weekly E75s than 2 weekly 737s. I think it's within the range as well. ATL is probably 1500-1600 nm from BIL.
SLCUT2777 From United States, joined Dec 2005, 3461 posts, RR: 7 Reply 8, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 2900 times:
How much of an effect will the DL/NW merger have on the Montana routes out of SLC? Could more traffic be routed via MSP from the east? SEA from the west coast?
DELTA Air Lines; The Only Way To Fly from Salt Lake City; Let the Western Heritage always be with Delta!
CatIII From United States, joined Mar 2008, 218 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 month 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 2873 times:
Betcha this had something to do with it...
NW-Delta deal survives Baucus hit
By ERIKA LOVLEY | 5/15/08 5:32 AM EST
An initial attempt by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to derail the Delta Air Lines merger with Northwest Airlines has fallen short, but it may be a catalyst for a fresh lobbying push from merger opponents.
Last week, the Senate Finance Committee chairman tried unsuccessfully to attach several amendments, designed to thwart the merger, to a flood insurance measure by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). But some merger supporters worry that opponents could try again on another bill in the House or Senate, or in some last-minute maneuver in a conference committee.
Floridaflyboy From United States, joined Jun 2006, 1478 posts, RR: 2 Reply 11, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 2755 times:
Quoting SLCUT2777 (Reply 8): How much of an effect will the DL/NW merger have on the Montana routes out of SLC? Could more traffic be routed via MSP from the east? SEA from the west coast?
SLC likely won't see any changes. If anything, we may possibly see the long-rumored return of some mainline from BZN/BIL to SLC. Who knows. But the letter sent to Senators Baucus and Tester outline that there will be NO service cuts to Montana. That does for the most part make sense, as SLC is prime for going west (i.e. california) and MSP is superb for going east.
Quoting PSU.DTW.SCE (Reply 10): BIL-ATL would seem to make a lot more sense with an E-170/E-175 than mainline.
Not if you look at the way they've done other Montana cities-ATL routes, not at all. If they want to fly it frequently (like daily or Monday-Friday), yes, the E-170/175 make sense, but if they plan on running it like FCA/BZN, it simply would not be enough plane, and the 738 would be necessary. It all depends on how they plan on scheduling this one.
This type of distance on *any* sort of "RJ" would not make "a lot more sense" - at $3.00+ JetA, an "RJ" route like this would be rediculous...
if DL/NW is smart, and judging from the success of the BIL market, the route will be a DELTA-operated route - MOST LIKELY a 738 or 7377 - I highly doubt a 757.
-UA-
"Can you fly this plane and land it?! *Surely you can't be serious!* I am serious, and don't call me Shirly..."
PSU.DTW.SCE From United States, joined Jan 2002, 4260 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 2536 times:
Quoting Floridaflyboy (Reply 11): Not if you look at the way they've done other Montana cities-ATL routes, not at all. If they want to fly it frequently (like daily or Monday-Friday), yes, the E-170/175 make sense, but if they plan on running it like FCA/BZN, it simply would not be enough plane, and the 738 would be necessary. It all depends on how they plan on scheduling this one.
That is the point I was trying to make. If its 1x or 2x weekly than a 738 could work. However if they want to do 5x or daily service (even seasonal) than an E-175 is probably more appropriate.
ATL-BIL isn't exactly a low yield market nor a high capacity market so it is one where and E-170/175 could make sense.
Although this could just be merger political pandering to get everyone on board....for now.
Sxf24 From United States, joined Aug 2007, 456 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 2365 times:
Quoting KELPkid (Reply 14): What, does Montana have politically powerful congress members or senators on key committees that could say something about the DelWest merger?
Yes, Max Baucus is a senior Senator with quite a bit of clout.
JonnyGT From United States, joined Oct 2001, 237 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 1707 times:
Both of Montana's Senators are Democrats, Max Baucus and Jon Tester. With all signs pointing towards the Democrats increasing their holds in both Houses of Congress this Fall these lawmakers will have a good deal of clout in regards to these matters, especially if Obama is President.
Sxf24 From United States, joined Aug 2007, 456 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (1 month 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 1707 times:
Quoting SkyTeamTriStar (Reply 17): I've missed the point, here.
What's the big deal about Montana
Yields are very good and DL/NW will be the dominant carrier (especially with the QX partnership) in the state. Its basically a lucrative market with a long history for both carriers.
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