AAvgeek744 wrote:FLYKTPA wrote:southwest1675 wrote:Well, kinda disappointing that F9 didn't do much for BNA this schedule release. Has me wondering if there really are management issues in Nashville regarding air service.
From what I’ve heard, Frontier kind of keeps to themselves in terms of networking planning. They add what they think will work and they don’t reach out to the airport for suggestions on what to add.
IMO, I don't think Frontier can be counted upon to stick to schedules. They draw down cities really fast. I understand it makes no sense to fly an unprofitable route, but in looking at them and the routes announced and routes cut, the seem pretty haphazard. It could me an issue within MNAA, but the reality is there are only two airlines left that can serve BNA (HA isn't even in the discussion, it'll never happen). Spirit may take the plunge, but WN has a mighty presence. Not sure how attractive BNA is going to be to many more airlines or flights. I think the performance of the BA flight this summer and fall will tell alot on the international side of the house.
True, F9 (and NK to some extent) are incredibly erratic with their schedules, so it shouldn't be looked upon as abnormal if BNA misses out on an extension. We did land TTN (why there, I have no idea), so we did get something. I was hoping for BNA-AUS, we could use an additional carrier on that route, but maybe DL will start it if they put a focus city at AUS.
I agree there really isn't many additional airlines that can come to BNA. That being said, as I've said before, I am really surprised G4 isn't here. Sure, it may be the WN factor, but G4 serves a completely different market that WN. They could make some service work at BNA if they wanted to. The fact that they are in all the markets surrounding Nashville, but not Nashville itself, its a head scratcher to say the least. I expect they will come any year now. As for the other two viable domestic carriers that could come (NK and Sun Country), I expect NK will merge with F9 soon, so that would negate them coming to BNA. Sun Country is too small, and I don't know about their long term prospects.
I expect most of the future growth at BNA will be existing airlines (like WN) adding service/upgauging as well as new international service. Depending on how BNA-LHR does, I expect additional TATL could follow within the next few years (LCC's such as WW, DY, DE, etc), and the airport will likely be going after a Tokyo flight soon as well.
It will be interesting to see if BNA gets something in next week's WN extension. If not, then you have to wonder what is going on.