Allegiant, PIE A Go?

flyinryan99 · Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:39 pm

Found this today while surfing their job site.

http://www.allegiantair.com/jobs/job_fair.htm

It's for the 9th of September, would assume an announcement this week?

Ryan

TPAnx · Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:10 pm

Interesting. Allegiant does not serve PIE at present, and to the best of my
knowledge, does not have a crew base or training facility in the area.
PIE is in need of more carriers. Sun Country will provide some fdlights to the Twin Cities. USA3000 hits some major cities up north. Canjet and Sunwing provide some Canadian service, Seacoast flies low and slow to the Keys, and
Conquest vacations (?) also has a presence. But a recent survey by the airport shows the top requested destination by people in the area is Las Vegas. Delta used to provide non-stop service from TPA, but I don't know if anyone does at this point. So Allegiant may have found a need to fill. Whether running a couple of flights a day, if it came to that, would require a crew base at PIE is questionable in my mind. Maybe Allegiant is considering more destinations which would require more people. Or maybe they're looking for some hot Florida women!
TPAnx Cool

markabcan · Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:48 pm

At a salary of $18,000 might be hard to find people, that seems ridiculously low!

ouboy79 · Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:42 am

Yet another piece to the puzzle on their new PIE operation.

Wonder if they are going to try this with the MD-87s running a couple weekly flights to RFD, TOL, ABE, etc.

FATFlyer · Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:44 am

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 1):
So Allegiant may have found a need to fill.

Overlay the existing PIE cities in the east and midwest with Allegiant's current route map. You'll see a few opportunity routes.

http://www.allegiantair.com/aaRouteMap.php
http://www.fly2pie.com/images/route_map_LG.jpg

CIDFlyer · Mon Sep 04, 2006 3:07 am

very interesting indeed! I am anxiously awaiting the announcement and which cities will be served on G4 from PIE

billreid · Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:55 am

Yes word is on the street that Allegiant will establish a base there.

They will probably kill the USA3000 service which is weakening under fuel pressure.

Also this will be the first time that they take on Southwest.
WN killed ATA and will Allegiant be next? Pie is not a smart move in the present fuel environment.

Q. Whats the quickest way to be come a millionair?
A. Be a Billionair and fly your airline to PIE.

TPAnx · Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:13 am

FWIW, I just checked the flight planner at the TPA website..handy tool..and
HP, US and SW all offer non-stop service to Vegas.
TPAnx

N908AW · Mon Sep 04, 2006 7:35 am

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):

Also this will be the first time that they take on Southwest.

OKC?
South Texas?

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 7):
FWIW, I just checked the flight planner at the TPA website..handy tool..and
HP, US and SW all offer non-stop service to Vegas.
TPAnx

Umm...G4 isn't about to fly PIE-LAS.

FATFlyer · Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:19 am

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 7):
HP, US and SW all offer non-stop service to Vegas.

Quoting N908AW (Reply 8):
Umm...G4 isn't about to fly PIE-LAS.

Exactly. Too many people only think about Allegiant and LAS.

Instead look for PIE flights from some of Allegiant's larger stations on the east coast and in the midwest.

Also remember this won't be just about flights. Allegiant Air is actually part of Allegiant Travel. Look for them to offer vacation packages.

ouboy79 · Mon Sep 04, 2006 8:26 am

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 7):
FWIW, I just checked the flight planner at the TPA website..handy tool..and
HP, US and SW all offer non-stop service to Vegas.

Try PIE-RFD, TOL, ABE, SWF, etc.

CIDFlyer · Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:20 am

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
Also this will be the first time that they take on Southwest.
WN killed ATA and will Allegiant be next? Pie is not a smart move in the present fuel environment.

G4 doesn't really compete with SWA on any of their routes. They focus on mainly connecting small to mid sized underserved markets that the major LCC's ignore to top leisure destinations and they have done well at this IMHO. I think PIE should work out well for them.

FATFlyer · Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:30 pm

Quoting Ouboy79 (Reply 10):
Try PIE-RFD, TOL, ABE, SWF, etc.

Then check the same cites to TPA.

PennPal · Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:51 pm

Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 12):
Then check the same cites to TPA.

True...but anyone arriving from the south or west will find PIE easier to get to, less congested, and cheaper to park. I'd pick PIE over TPA any day.

[Edited 2006-09-04 06:52:40]

Humberside · Mon Sep 04, 2006 5:58 pm

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
They will probably kill the USA3000 service which is weakening under fuel pressure.

Is G4 likely to have much of an impact on these services. Wouldn't they be considered complimentary to any G4 would offer? Although I appreciate the fact fuel prices are a big issue at the moment and that alone could affect the future of USA 3000 at PIE (and I guess also other Florida airports where fligts are not operated for principally for tour operators)

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
Also this will be the first time that they take on Southwest.
WN killed ATA and will Allegiant be next? Pie is not a smart move in the present fuel environment.

They wont be taking on Southwest any more than they do at SFB. Take SFB-RFD. That could be considered in competition with WN's MDW-MCO. I dont see how PIE-RFD (If G4 fly this route) would be in any more competition with WN than SFB-RFD (this could be applied other destinations as well like ABE)

bobnwa · Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:23 pm

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
Yes word is on the street that Allegiant will establish a base there.

Which street is that near PIE?

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
Pie is not a smart move in the present fuel environment.

What does the price of fuel have to do with TPA vs PIE?

N908AW · Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:32 pm

Quoting Bobnwa (Reply 15):
What does the price of fuel have to do with TPA vs PIE?

Well it could be pitched to the passengers that PIE is closer to the beach...less gas...you don't have to cross the lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng bridge.

DTWAGENT · Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:02 am

I can see them heading into PIE. Alot of people including some of my clients do not like landing at TPA. Due to problems with getting cars, baggage and other things... I can also see Alligant starting TOL, LAN services to PIE. I think it would be a great move on their part.

Chuck

FATFlyer · Tue Sep 05, 2006 2:19 am

Quoting FATFlyer (Reply 12):
Then check the same cites to TPA.

Quoting PennPal (Reply 13):
True...but anyone arriving from the south or west will find PIE easier to get to, less congested, and cheaper to park. I'd pick PIE over TPA any day.

My point was if you check them many of the Allegiant cities have no TPA flights. So no competition.

TPAnx · Tue Sep 05, 2006 6:02 am

Quoting DTWAGENT (Reply 17):
problems with getting cars, baggage and other things...

Perhaps my home airport bias is showing,,but TPA is one of the easiest airports to get around. Never had to wait 45 minutes for luggage..as I have at
BDL. Rental cars are across the street from baggage claim..don't know what
"other things" you refer. TPA is usually ranked among the best airports in the country...
TPAnx

N908AW · Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:00 am

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 19):
Perhaps my home airport bias is showing,,but TPA is one of the easiest airports to get around. Never had to wait 45 minutes for luggage..as I have at
BDL. Rental cars are across the street from baggage claim..don't know what
"other things" you refer. TPA is usually ranked among the best airports in the country...

Just that at PIE G4 would be close to the only scheduled service. Tons and tons of advantages there.

mkirch72 · Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:48 am

Quoting BillReid (Reply 6):
WN killed ATA and will Allegiant be next? Pie is not a smart move in the present fuel environment

ATA pulled out of PIE as part of the cash injection they received from WN. It wasn't competition that killed them. It was WN saying, if you want my money, get out of PIE. Several ATA pilots have commented on this website about the success of their PIE operation - hence the reason WN wanted them out.

Also - don't forget the 925,000 residents of Pinellas County who would use PIE if there were more destinations. There is nothing wrong with TPA. I think it's a great airport, for it's size. However, some people like to be able to park, walk a couple hundred feet, check in, walk about 50 more feet, go through security, walk another 10 feet and be in the gate area.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if PIE, in conjunction with the airlines that serve it, could do a better job marketing itself in the Tampa Bay area, they would be more successful. Other than a handful of USA3000 billboards, there is ZERO marketing done in Pinellas County, let alone the Tampa Bay area. The handful of people that know about it, use it. I have a lot of Puerto Rican friends that live in Tampa and Brandon who said they miss the TPA/SJU service PIE used to have (I think it was ATA). PIE administration needs to get their hands on some cash to market themselves.

Also - I know G4's current equipment can't make it all the way to LAS. What is the story on the IPO and possible new equipment that would have the legs for the PIE-LAS route?

mkirch72 · Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:51 am

....Also -- does anyone know how YNG is working out for G4, and could that end up being a possible route - YNG-PIE? Anyone who lives in Pinellas County can vouche for the number of Ohio license plates on the roads around here.

727LOVER · Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:18 am

Quoting Mkirch72 (Reply 21):
However, some people like to be able to park, walk a couple hundred feet, check in, walk about 50 more feet, go through security, walk another 10 feet and be in the gate area.

UMMM....Iknow you were describing PIE, but kind of sounds like TPA also. cool

flyinryan99 · Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:34 am

Quoting Mkirch72 (Reply 22):
....Also -- does anyone know how YNG is working out for G4, and could that end up being a possible route - YNG-PIE? Anyone who lives in Pinellas County can vouche for the number of Ohio license plates on the roads around here.

From a friend of mine who's not on a.net:

" Youngstown has been a solid route for Allegiant with loads averaging in the upper 80s around 87% since it began service in May. You must remember that is just 2 flights a week. A source close with YNG has told me they are not likely to be on the initial list of cities to PIE; but hope to get YNG-PIE by early next year. YNG is supporting Allegiant very nicely and is competing with Airtran out of CAK-PIT and Southwest out of CLE-PIT just as well with fares most of the time cheaper than those routes. The YNG supporters got a blog: www.yngair.wordpress.com which covers the airport; there you can get the official passenger numbers and any insight on YNG and possible new service. Trust me many Ohioans second home is in Florida, don't forget about TOL you know! They will be on the first list of cities at least!"

TVNWZ · Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:29 am

Quoting DTWAGENT (Reply 17):
Alot of people including some of my clients do not like landing at TPA. Due to problems with getting cars, baggage and other things..

I travel a lot. A lot. TPA is the easiest airport to get in and out of that I fly to excluding the small MCIs of the world. I have flown out of PIE in the ATA days. TPA is just as easy to get through. I admit, parking was cheap. That's about it.

Quoting TPAnx (Reply 19):
but TPA is one of the easiest airports to get around. Never had to wait 45 minutes for luggage..as I have at
BDL. Rental cars are across the street from baggage claim..don't know what
"other things" you refer. TPA is usually ranked among the best airports in the country...

Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 23):
UMMM....Iknow you were describing PIE, but kind of sounds like TPA also. cool

Now, I will say with the Expressway Connection construction, it is a pain in the ass right now. It will be super when that is finished.

coerj · Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:12 am

Quoting 727LOVER (Reply 23):
UMMM....Iknow you were describing PIE, but kind of sounds like TPA also.

Except that they forgot the "Take the monorail from parking to landside terminal, go up 2 escelators, wait for the train, board the train, go to security, walk to gate. Don't get me wrong- TPA is probably my favorite airport, with great spotting, but it isn't small town, that's for sure.

TVNWZ · Thu Sep 07, 2006 1:14 am

Quoting COERJ (Reply 26):
Take the monorail from parking to landside terminal,

Whatevery you do. Do not take the baby-monorail. Slow, worthless piece of crap.

AirWillie6475 · Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:28 am

That salary is laughable unless there is a significant jump the second year. The national average salary for HS graduates is 30K, come on people, being an FA is a tough job.

flyinryan99 · Thu Sep 07, 2006 4:44 am

Quoting AirWillie6475 (Reply 28):
The national average salary for HS graduates is 30K,

Where is that at? I was out of college and didn't make over $20k. $18k might not be a lot, but at least they'll be home every night.

TVNWZ · Thu Sep 07, 2006 6:36 am

Quoting AirWillie6475 (Reply 28):
The national average salary for HS graduates is 30K,

Where is that number coming from?

pietpaflsun · Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:06 am

Next Wednesday 9/13/06 at 1500 the MEGA announcement that we have been waiting for.

tvnewsguy08 · Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:16 am

Quoting PieTpaFlSun (Reply 31):
Next Wednesday 9/13/06 at 1500 the MEGA announcement that we have been waiting for.

Allegiant? Where? For What Cities? Will there be more than one?

I have heard that TYS may be in the cards for Allegiant as early as mid-September. Could this be it?

ouboy79 · Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:05 am

Quoting Tvnewsguy08 (Reply 32):
Allegiant? Where? For What Cities? Will there be more than one?

I have heard that TYS may be in the cards for Allegiant as early as mid-September. Could this be it?

Umm read the thread. It is the announcementof the new St Peterburg focus city.

g4resagent · Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:44 pm

Quoting AirWillie6475 (Reply 28):
salary is laughable

Explain how it is laughable?

Allegiant = $20/hr with 75 hrs guaranteed
Continental = $18/hr with 83 hrs guaranteed
AirTran = $18.80 - $20.65 with 70 hrs guaranteed
Southwest = $18.10 - $18.35/trip

So it would be around average I guess.

mkirch72 · Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:38 pm

Looks like the press have got wind of this. The St. Petersburg Times printed an article on this story today that took up 3/4 of the Business Section's front page. The article is entitled, "Struggling airport awaits new arrival".

Here is the link:

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/09/08/Business/Struggling_airport_aw.shtml

There are also some interesting facts about previous airlines and their exit (ATA & Southeast) as well as passenger #'s. Hard to believe they went from 1.3 million pax in 2004 and it's going to be about 400,000 this year. I really think everyone in Pinellas County government, as well as the municipalities in Pinellas County, needs to get behind this service to help ensure its success.

I also think that 1.3 million pax when just 2 additional airlines were in business helps show that PIE can definitely work if the right airline, with the right destinations is in place.

You'll also notice they mention "airline enthusiasts on internet bulletin boards". Gee, who could that be??

[Edited 2006-09-08 15:44:11]

mkirch72 · Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:51 am

Just an update - I'm on PIE's email list and I just received an invitation. Here is a summary:

What: News Conference and reception announcing major new air service at St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.

When:

3:00 - Reception - hors d'oeuvres and light refreshments
3:15 - Press Announcement by Pinellas County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kenneth Welch and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport director Noah Lagos and special visiting guests
3:45 - Media Interviews and photo ops

Looks like everything's a go! They certainly didn't make this big of a deal on any previous announcements I've seen, so looks like their will be multiple routes.

IADLHR · Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:18 am

There is another thread gping about a new destination being announced for PIA on Wed. That is the same day that the above announcement will take place. Is it just a coincidence or not? Being that PIA is one of the most succerssful cities Allegiant serves from LAS, could it be there will in fact be PIE-PIA service announced soon?

mkirch72 · Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:44 am

I wouldn't be surprised. There are a lot of transplants from the midwest in Pinellas County and a lot of snowbirds come down here in the wintertime from there as well.

jeb94 · Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:38 pm

I expect RFD and PIA as two cities that G4 will serve out of PIE. PIE will be a small base so it is a big deal for an airline only operating two bases at the moment.

FATFlyer · Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:23 am

Looks like SWF (Stewart) will be one of the cities announced Wednesday.

Allegiant Air, the airline that has been flying the successful route between Stewart Airport and Orlando, will announce a new Florida destination on Thursday.
www.midhudsonnews.com

I assume that means a press conference at SWF on Thursday.

ouboy79 · Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:57 am

The final piece of the puzzle leading up to tomorrows announcement. The job posting for PIE Station Manager. Smile

http://www.allegiantair.com/jobs/gen_mgr_stations.htm

BASIC FUNCTION:
This position is responsible for compliance of all aspects of company and FAA policies within the day-to-day operation of the PIE station operation. Must be able to effectively communicate all airline business to internal and external departments.

jeb94 · Wed Sep 13, 2006 2:38 pm

RFD-PIE, PIA-PIE, ABE-PIE, and LAN-PIE for starters. That's official.

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