By Andrew Vaupel – Associate Editor, Online, Kansas City Business Journal
49 minutes ago

In 2018, Kansas City International Airport is on the radar of a large number of civic and business leaders. That's why the 11 a.m. Tuesday announcement by the city and its aviation department is already on the Business Journal's radar.
Just before midnight on Monday, Aviation Department spokesman Joe McBride sent a media advisory to area's media outlets about a new air service at KCI (Code: MCI). Mayor Sly James and Aviation Department Deputy Director Justin Meyer are listed as the presenters.
In addition to the single-terminal redevelopment of the airport, international service has been a big goal for the city and Aviation Department.
We'll have more details on the announcement later.

I saw Justin Meyer made an interesting tweet last night. If it is international I will guess Norwegian unless one of the Iceland carriers is adding again. But Norwegian is still my guess.

My guess is WOW based on advanced booking patterns for similar markets of CVG,STL,CLE,etc.

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Probably an announcement that the whole new terminal project has fallen apart, if it's anything like how Kansas City works.

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Ugh, it sounds like some mickey mouse shenanigans from Spirit, Frontier or Allegiant. I hope not! WestJet I could get excited about . I know you mentioned surprised, but will we like it,LOL?

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

The suspense!!!!

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

axiom wrote:

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

I bet it is Sun Country , to some place like GCM or MBJ, etc. Yuck, oh well its better than nothing.! And we are beggars here in KC so cant be choosers!

RJNUT wrote:

axiom wrote:

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

I bet it is Sun Country , to some place like GCM or MBJ, etc. Yuck, oh well its better than nothing.! And we are beggars here in KC so cant be choosers!

Is that enough to warrant inviting the whole city, including the mayor, to announce? I am hopeful it is a different carrier.....

I'd bank on it being either BA, one of the Iceland carriers or DL to CDG with an associated MCI DL focus city coming.

Dominion301 wrote:

I'd bank on it being either BA, one of the Iceland carriers or DL to CDG with an associated MCI DL focus city coming.

I doubt DL (or anyone besides what WN already has) starts any kind of focus city until the new terminal is built. If it is BA I would be shocked.

axiom wrote:

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

Kjos has mentioned smaller markets before. I figured you would see them with the A321LRs in 2019. He has mentioned Memphis by name several times the past couple of years as an example.

http://www.anna.aero/2017/09/13/kansas- ... om-europe/

Air Canada recenter added a Second flight to better serve Asia from Memphis for example of a potentiAl untapped market that bypassing the US mega hubs may yield with price stimulation.

Iceland Air it is! https://twitter.com/st_vockrodt/status/ ... 8498913280

3x a week. seasonal until September

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Was this (Icelandair) your card?

blhp68 wrote:

Iceland Air it is! https://twitter.com/st_vockrodt/status/ ... 8498913280

And on their website now.

http://www.icelandair.us/destinations/flights-to-kansas-city/

“Icelandair has be in operation for over 80 years with a long and illustrious history,” Icelandair chief executive Bjorgolfur Johannsson said in a statement. “But today marks the first time in that history that Icelandair will offer non-stop flights to and from the heart of America to Iceland and beyond. This will not only benefit families and leisure travelers wanting to explore the world but will also open up many opportunities for business, trade and foreign relations between Europe and Kansas City.”

3x weekly service beginning May 25th, 2018 ending September 24th, 2018, with the aircraft overnighting at MCI.

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Exciting times for FI and MCI!

http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics ... 16934.html

Icelandair is up to 21 destinations in North America

Congrats MCI on at last gaining transatlantic service.

This is an odd add. Who is their key targe here? Americans heading to Europe?

What about SLC? Could the B752 make it?

Blerg wrote:

This is an odd add. Who is their key targe here? Americans heading to Europe?

What about SLC? Could the B752 make it?

Exactly. Americans heading to Europe. That’s probably why it’s only during the summer

Congrats to MCI. I'm thinking that if it work great seasonally then they may see a year-round TATL flight.

WaywardMemphian wrote:

axiom wrote:

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

Kjos has mentioned smaller markets before. I figured you would see them with the A321LRs in 2019. He has mentioned Memphis by name several times the past couple of years as an example.

http://www.anna.aero/2017/09/13/kansas- ... om-europe/

Air Canada recenter added a Second flight to better serve Asia from Memphis for example of a potentiAl untapped market that bypassing the US mega hubs may yield with price stimulation.

Umm...I guess a.net can now focused on CMH now?

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

zakuivcustom wrote:

Congrats to MCI. I'm thinking that if it work great seasonally then they may see a year-round TATL flight.

WaywardMemphian wrote:

axiom wrote:

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

Kjos has mentioned smaller markets before. I figured you would see them with the A321LRs in 2019. He has mentioned Memphis by name several times the past couple of years as an example.

http://www.anna.aero/2017/09/13/kansas- ... om-europe/

Air Canada recenter added a Second flight to better serve Asia from Memphis for example of a potentiAl untapped market that bypassing the US mega hubs may yield with price stimulation.

Umm...I guess a.net can now focused on CMH now?

Hey, CRAA made public in their last New Service Committee meeting for the first time they're talking to DL about CMH-AMS/CDG in addition to their ongoing efforts to land LHR via BA (most likely on AA metal). Never know!

Jshank83 wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

Probably for flight crew reasons since it non Daily service.

Flyguy

Jshank83 wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

MCO, TPA, SEA, DEN, PDX, YVR, ANC are all other examples of destinations that the aircraft sits idle after arrival for 20-23 hours prior to operating the return flight to KEF.

Well done, with the growth in flights to the USA is there a chance KEF will operate a pre-clearence CBP any time soon?

zakuivcustom wrote:

Congrats to MCI. I'm thinking that if it work great seasonally then they may see a year-round TATL flight.

WaywardMemphian wrote:

axiom wrote:

Hmm. Beyond the usual F9/NK upheavals, we've been waiting to see how Sun Country takes forward their new business strategy. MCI would be a familiar sort of market through which to grow beyond MSP.

I have a very hard time seeing Norwegian in a market like MCI, however. That would indeed be a significant change in their business model, in connecting smaller US O&D markets to Europe. Right now they stick to larger markets with more of a balance of demand between the EU and destinations.

Kjos has mentioned smaller markets before. I figured you would see them with the A321LRs in 2019. He has mentioned Memphis by name several times the past couple of years as an example.

http://www.anna.aero/2017/09/13/kansas- ... om-europe/

Air Canada recenter added a Second flight to better serve Asia from Memphis for example of a potentiAl untapped market that bypassing the US mega hubs may yield with price stimulation.

Umm...I guess a.net can now focused on CMH now?

I don't know how much international tourism Columbus has, but Memphis had overy 2 million in 2016 with even higher numbers expected for 2017. The UK and other Western European countries made up a large percentage of that. The stimitation would come from the NA side where it has been suppressed after decades of high fares in Memphis.

readytotaxi wrote:

Well done, with the growth in flights to the USA is there a chance KEF will operate a pre-clearence CBP any time soon?

That would make a lot of sense. It would open up smaller airports that don't currently have CBP.

icelandair75w wrote:

Jshank83 wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

MCO, TPA, SEA, DEN, PDX, YVR, ANC are all other examples of destinations that the aircraft sits idle after arrival for 20-23 hours prior to operating the return flight to KEF.

DFW will also follow the same pattern when it starts this spring.

Can someone shed some more light on this a/c utilization strategy? Is it due to the constraints at KEF? Very unusual situation.

Congrats MCI and FI. I could see this service become a service whole year.

wnflyguy wrote:

Jshank83 wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

Probably for flight crew reasons since it non Daily service.

Flyguy

Wow has non daily and still turns it around back to KEF the same day to some airports STL/CVG/PIT etc. But maybe it is because those are a little closer? I wouldn't think it would matter

nice to see the continued expansion for FI into these new markets, fingers crossed they do well, while they do have a history of it and crew reasons is one probable reason why, that RON does seem very long. The key however is the 05:10 arrival time in KEF, trying to connect to their early bank to Europe, can't do that with let's say a 22:30 departure time same day from MCI, they maximize the arrivals from KEF with the 18:00 departure time (from KEF). not exact an efficient use of aircraft, but they've made a success of it before, so here's to it.

Where is FI getting the extra capacity from? Are there that many extra 757's around that they can sustain this increased expansion?

Congrats! I would have sworn there is no way it would have been international service like this because of the time of year. Isn't this unusually late for a route announcement like this?

icelandair75w wrote:

Jshank83 wrote:

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

MCO, TPA, SEA, DEN, PDX, YVR, ANC are all other examples of destinations that the aircraft sits idle after arrival for 20-23 hours prior to operating the return flight to KEF.

Goodness. Icelandair must have plenty of a/c to waste that much time on that many U.S. turns. (Even if it's due to crew rest considerations.) Seems very wasteful of a very expensive resource. Oh well...

Congratulations to KC on this nice achievement! New TATL service feels good for a mid-sized Midwestern city.

bb

icelandair75w wrote:

Jshank83 wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

FI841 KEF 1800 - 2045 MCI - Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
FI840 MCI 1715 - 0510+1 KEF - Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

MCO, TPA, SEA, DEN, PDX, YVR, ANC are all other examples of destinations that the aircraft sits idle after arrival for 20-23 hours prior to operating the return flight to KEF.

Wow. That seems like a lot of equipment sitting around. Seems like it would be cheaper to leave a crew there than a plane.

IrishAyes wrote:

icelandair75w wrote:

Jshank83 wrote:

Seems odd it will sit a whole day.

MCO, TPA, SEA, DEN, PDX, YVR, ANC are all other examples of destinations that the aircraft sits idle after arrival for 20-23 hours prior to operating the return flight to KEF.

DFW will also follow the same pattern when it starts this spring.

Can someone shed some more light on this a/c utilization strategy? Is it due to the constraints at KEF? Very unusual situation.

It is done to hit the connection bank in KEF, when the frame does an immediate return they come in to late. They use the 757-200 for this flight. The frames are owned and mostly amortised. When the 737MAX are coming into the fleet, more 757 will be used this way. The new 737 will be used on the flights were a return flight is possible, while still arriving at the right time in KEF.

DeltaRules wrote:

arcticcruiser wrote:

Prepare to be surprised. First announcement of a few new routes from this carrier if my sources are correct. Major network changes coming.

Was this (Icelandair) your card?

Lets call this phase one.

Congrats MCI on losing your transatlatic v card. You'll never forget your first

Not surprised. Mid-America has been fairly neglected when it comes to TATL Service.

Well done MCI. If this exceeds expectations as a seasonal flight, then I could eventually see it going year round.

Never thought I would see the day! Dumb question but does MCI have catering facilities that can prepare hot meals? The only food I've seen served in first out of KC have been ether dry snack goods or cold items like cereal and salads.

We can say the same thing about wasteful use of aircraft that sit around all day flying between the US and South America. The schedule is paramount. Even though Iceland tourism is booming, these flights will connect to FI's European routes. FI clearly thinks the scheduling benefit for connections out weighs the loss of realizing potential revenue from an aircraft sitting on the ground that could otherwise be in the air.

Blerg wrote:

This is an odd add. Who is their key targe here? Americans heading to Europe?

What about SLC? Could the B752 make it?

It's within range I believe, but it's pushing it.

I would love to see Iceland air here but Europe traffic is saturated by premium SkyTeam traffic. SLC is highly oriented towards SkyTeam frequent fliers and I'm not sure that they would do well here. I think maybe Norwegian would do better.

readytotaxi wrote:

Well done, with the growth in flights to the USA is there a chance KEF will operate a pre-clearence CBP any time soon?

Hopefully for everyone using KEF they do. That airport is going to be an absolute zoo this summer. With all this added traffic PLUS the influx of tourists to the country there is just no where to put them all and the wait times are going to be double of what they were last summer.

Somehow, they are going to have to cram all those people into this...

Congrats to MCI. MCI is a fairly big, fairly important metropolitan area. This is right in profile with what they should be getting.

jubguy3 wrote:

Blerg wrote:

This is an odd add. Who is their key targe here? Americans heading to Europe?

What about SLC? Could the B752 make it?

It's within range I believe, but it's pushing it.

I would love to see Iceland air here but Europe traffic is saturated by premium SkyTeam traffic. SLC is highly oriented towards SkyTeam frequent fliers and I'm not sure that they would do well here. I think maybe Norwegian would do better.

But that's the thing, FI rarely relies on business traffic... I mean if they did then I doubt they would have launched flights to places like Portland, Anchorage or even Kansas City. Utah is an interesting market as it has it all: business passengers, students (backpackers) and Mormons who travel a lot for obvious reasons.

Congrats to MCI!!

Hopefully CLT will get KEF service soon.