tichydev wrote:I’d hate to point it out but, since when did this become a WN forum? Avelo took the open door on one of the last gems of a market in the industry when other carriers failed to see it. Unless they come in looking to put early pressure on XP, I think WN, B6, F9, AL, MX etc all missed their shot at New Haven and Avelo is likely to dig in deep here. Other LCCs may come but they’ll be late to the party. Avelo will more than likely try MDW and find an o&d market there.
As others have said the market for HVN is no smaller than BDL or PVD. There’s no reason Avelo can’t make that their niche and run with it. As for other carriers? American will come back eventually, there’s rumors already flying that that will be sooner rather than later. It’s no secret United Express (and indirectly through SkyWest) have been looking at HVN for years and Avelo’s success is going to turn heads. I see 3-5 hubs on 2 major affiliates and Avelo serving the market well. Of course this depends on the new terminal. HVN has plenty of room to build something very nice on the east side. Plans from the 2002 master plan show options for upwards of 15 gates. 8 should be no sweat down the road.
Avelo thus far seems to be a refreshing step up from the traditional ULCC. At least on the east coast with the former WN 700s. They seem to be filling a nice gap between ULCC and LCC. It’s incredible to have them here. The most apparent thing here is that Avelo is here to stay and grow at HVN. That’s what matters.
If AA returns to HVN, I hope its not a single flight to PHL. Last July 2020 AA announced in the fall it would start two daily HVN-CLT flights, never happened. With the jet bridge idle, AA, UA or DL should do well with RJ's to CLT, ORD or ATL. I don't see the new terminal coming for some time although the recent re election of East Havens mayor Carfora is a good sign as he seems to be willing to work with HVN and the new terminal.
Alelo jumped in with both feet on the HVN service with six Florida cities and a seventh non Florida city to be announced soon. I'm glad Allegiant waffled for a few years on service to HVN and their level of service would not have been what Avelo has committed to. My son lives near ROA and for over 10 years Allegiant has maintained the about same level of service, 2-3 weekly flights to SFB and 1-2 weekly flights to PIE. I would imagine their offerings to HVN would have been close to ROA levels.
As far as WN, it used to be when they started service to a new airport, it was at least six daily flights but over the years they have lowered that standard. 3 daily flights to MDW or BWI would be great but again, how much can the present terminal handle? 2022 should be an exciting year for HVN, I've said this about past years but I hope I'm right this time.