Could Bowser and the Western Reserve Port Authority Be Sending Hidden Messages?
I just replayed the story from the 33 news site, and I heard a couple of interesting quotes. First was Mr. Bowser’s continued use of the phrases “Hopeing to keep the word out there…” and to “…continue to support what we have out there”. I found it interesting that he would use those phrases as well as the tone of voice he used and his hand gestures, as if to say “Come on folks! We have a good thing going here and Allegiant is very happy and willing to add more service, keep it up!!!!” He would know all of this, but he wouldn’t be able to come out and just say that.
Another quote was from Joe Maxin from the Western Reserve Port Authority (do they have a website?) right after Mr. Bowsers “support the product” comments. Joe was quoted as saying the following (with emphasis added by myself):
“What had happened earlier was, because of the cost of fuel, they weren’t able to do that (provide flights to vegas). Right now their fleet size is basically max’ed out and, hopefully with some additional aircraft (which I think they just purchased more), they would be able to ACCOMODATE A VEGAS FLIGHT.”
Interesting! Especially how it was thrown into the story with no lead in or tie up afterwards. He made it seem like Allegiant had it in the plans to have a Vegas flight, but canned it because of rising fuel costs. Now they seemed poised to do it again with fuel on the decline again, news reports say it could reach $40 a barrel, it could be in the foreseable future.
Could YNG be next?
Allegiant Air expands its’ Florida flights from three airports in South Bend, IN, Allentown, PA and, East Lansing, MI. They are also announcing non-stop flights from Great Falls, MO to Las Vegas.
Here is the news room of Allegiant’s website: http://www.allegiantair.com/aaNewsRoom.php
Could YNG be next to hear the good news?
Another Great Editorial from the Editors of the Vindy!
Seems the flood gates are slowly opening on the public noticing the airport!
After that great editorial by Mr. Travaglini and Mr. Meszaros that YNGAIR posted from Sunday’s Vindicator, it seems the editors from the Vindy have put their two cents in as well, and I have to say, I am very impressed by what they had to say. They are “cautiously” optimistic about the future of the airport and even mention how Allegiant is happy with the reception that they are getting from the region.
We need to keep up this support for the airport and hopefully the word will start getting around. I will stress again, that passengers are good for the airport, but we also need to think of other ways to make the airport more viable, thinking about the hi-tech businesses that are growing in the Youngstown and Warren areas. Keep the ideas coming for the 2007 plan that YNGAIR is putting together.
DougK
Click the next page to see the editorial!
Terrific Editorial from Sunday’s Vindicator
This was not online for view, so I just scanned it onto my computer for you all to see. I think this is great to see support for the airport from these business owners. We need to get ahold of these men so they know a group of supporters does indeed exist. Here is the editorial. Post your thoughts on it.
I also wanted to say I am trying to put together the 2007 Fly Youngstown page. It will look a bit different with a few nice new additions. I am trying to create a webpage, similar to a petition, in which you can sign your name in support of Vegas flights. This is really just to help this blog and the airport see the enormous support the Valley would have towards Vegas flights.
Good news for Allegiant Air–WYTV Video Included
CLICK VIDEO LINK HERE
Good news for Allegiant Air is fueling airport officials’ high hopes for additional flights for our area.
Allegiant Air, the only airline currently flying out of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, reports huge increases in passenger travel for all of their flights nationwide.
As Peggy Sinkovich tells us, this news has many wondering if we could soon have additional flights out of the our area.
Allegiant Air began taking off from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in May, offering flights twice a month to Orlando, Florida. Now eight months later, many would like the amount of flights to be increased, and with the Las Vegas based air carrier reporting soaring increases in passengers this past year, it could happen.
Allegiant Air had 1.1 million passengers in 2005 and 2.1 million last year, an 81% increase.
The company doesn’t offer local numbers, but most of the planes flying out are full.
Airport manager Steve Bowser says, “Today there were 140 passenger one of 150 seats last two flights 150, which is full capacity.”
But Bowser says to get additional flights, the community has to continue using the service and the real test will be during the off-season in February.
“We’re hoping to keep the word out there people need to continue to support the product.”
Joe Maxin with the Western Reserve Port Authority says, “What had happened earlier because of the cost of fuel they weren’t able to do more flights and right now their fleet size they are maxed out, hopefully, with additional aircraft they would be able to accommodate other flights and a Vegas flight.”
Bowser and Maxin both added that with Allegiant’s continued success, other carriers may also decide to begin offering services out of the airport.
In Warren, Peggy Sinkovich, 33 News.
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The airport is finally getting back on the media’s map! Maybe we are the reason why, but who know’s. We need to continue pumping up the support of this carrier to gain additional flights on Allegiant and other airlines…
The Youngstown airport needs to realize it is shrinking!
YNGAIR and I were talking last night about Midwest air and AirTran’s possible take over of the airline. For those that don’t know, AirTran is trying to buy Midwest air for about 290 million. At first, a month ago, Midwest told AirTran to kiss their behind because they said the offer was too low and that Midwest’s service offerings — such as its two-by-two seating arrangement in its all-business class service — are incompatible with a merger with another airline. AirTran is now trying to strong arm the Midwest shareholders by taking out ads in papers and convince them somehow that the merger is in their best interest. AirTran has even gone as far as saying that they have received “un-solicited” calls from Midwest shareholders and that is why they are taking out the ads. Any one else believe that?? I didn’t think so.
As we were talking about this, YNGAIR told me to just forget about Midwest, that they would be bad for Youngstown and his point was that their fares are too high. I conceded the argument and we moved on to other things before I had to go and get dinner for my family, which reminds me, I need to stop eating dinner so late!
Allegiant reports passenger numbers for the year! And they are UP big time!
Allegiant Reports December 2006 Traffic
LAS VEGAS, Jan 04, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Allegiant Air, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq: ALGT), today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for December 2006.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/LATU102LOGO) Scheduled Service Dec. 2006 Dec. 2005 Change Passengers 213,627 127,258 67.9% Revenue passenger miles (000) 198,393 137,537 44.2% Available seat miles (000) 253,188 178,795 41.6% Load factor 78.4% 76.9% 1.5 pts 4Q 2006 4Q 2005 Change Passengers 531,718 323,405 64.4% Revenue passenger miles (000) 512,657 349,668 46.6% Available seat miles (000) 652,469 446,680 46.1% Load factor 78.6% 78.3% 0.3 pts YTD 2006 YTD 2005 Change Passengers 1,940,456 969,393 100.2% Revenue passenger miles (000) 1,996,559 1,029,625 93.9% Available seat miles (000) 2,474,285 1,294,064 91.2% Load factor 80.7% 79.6% 1.1 pts Total System* Dec. 2006 Dec. 2005 Change Passengers 224,159 134,916 66.1% Revenue passenger miles (000) 207,094 143,334 44.5% Available seat miles (000) 272,343 190,655 42.8% Load factor 76.0% 75.2% 0.8 pts 4Q 2006 4Q 2005 Change Passengers 579,516 371,356 56.1% Revenue passenger miles (000) 560,738 400,720 39.9% Available seat miles (000) 734,761 518,206 41.8% Load factor 76.3% 77.3% -1.0 pts YTD 2006 YTD 2005 Change Passengers 2,179,367 1,199,574 81.7% Revenue passenger miles (000) 2,251,341 1,295,633 73.8% Available seat miles (000) 2,871,071 1,674,376 71.5% Load factor 78.4% 77.4% 1.0 pts *Total system includes scheduled service and fixed fee contract flying. About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (Nasdaq: ALGT), is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Nev, Orlando, Fla. and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the Company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel related services.
Note: This press release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.
ALGT/G
For further information please visit: http://ir.allegiantair.com. For media assistance, please contact: Tyri Squyres, Allegiant Travel Company Corporate Communications, 702-851-7370.
Reference to the Company’s web site above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press release.
SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company
News Provided by COMTEX
Continue for the numbers
Could Allegiant pick up where AirTran left??
I found this article about AirTran leaving the Myrtle Beach taking their low fares with them. USAir is the biggest carrier that flies into Myrtle Beach. Here is my thinking. Allegiant should start providing service to Myrtle Beach AND Atlanta to take over where AirTran left and offer the low cost fares. Since AirTran will no longer be flying from CAK to Myrtle Beach, Allegiant can now take that away from CAK, increasing ridership. Also, take on USAir out of Pittsburgh by offering lower fares. In the 7 months that AirTran operated out of Myrtle Beach, they had just under 60,000 passengers. I am pretty sure that Allegiant would welcome that, as well as increase that number because people around Youngstown would take the flights and any business that would be taken from USAir would definitely increase those numbers. I think it is worth a shot, so how do we convince Allegiant to do this?? If this is not feasible, any chance of attracting the two charter airlines (Myrtle Beach Direct and Southern Skyways) to YNG?? Below is the article, and I await your feedback fellow bloggers!
DOUGK
AirTran Departs Myrtle Beach The Latest from Airport
The Sun News
Dec. 21 — AirTran Airways will not return to Myrtle Beach come spring, taking away a vital, low-cost link to Atlanta.
The airline, which ended its seasonal service Nov. 6, couldn’t draw enough passengers, especially higher-paying business travelers, AirTran spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver said.
Fliers from Myrtle Beach liked the AirTran service because the airline has a hub in Atlanta, allowing travelers to pick up connecting flights to about 50 destinations, including Tampa, Fla.; New York; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; and Washington, D.C. The fares also were low, leaving some speculating that AirTran’s departure could cause prices to rise.
AirTran stuck around the beach longer than usual this year, through October, only to still be disappointed in the numbers. “The route has still not produced the results we need,” Graham-Weaver said. “We were disappointed with the results from the market this summer and even extending the season this year did not help produce the profitability factor we need.”
Already, Delta is stepping up to fill the void. The airline announced this week that it will use bigger planes to fly the Myrtle Beach-Atlanta route starting this summer, offering more seats.
AirTran is the fourth-largest airline serving the Myrtle Beach International Airport, carrying 59,225 passengers out of Myrtle Beach during its seven months of service in 2006, according to statistics from Horry County, which operates the airport. By comparison, the largest carrier, U.S. Airways, flew out 211,603 passengers in 2006.
Myrtle Beach’s seasonal nature makes it tricky for airlines. Most pull out or cut back in the winter and return along with the tourists in the spring. With AirTran’s low fares gone, prices could creep up, said Mickey McCamish, executive director of marketing group Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday who actively pursues airlines. “Anytime you lose a low-cost carrier like AirTran, there’s potential for ticket prices to rise,” he said.
With a new 14-gate terminal on the horizon, Horry County officials downplayed AirTran’s decision to leave, saying it represented only 5 percent of the airport’s total departures and 9 percent of the total seats during its years here. AirTran pulling out of the beach doesn’t negate the need for the terminal, said Lisa Bourcier, spokeswoman for Horry County.
“Passenger growth at the airport has increased an average of 6 percent per year over the past decade,” she said. “The new terminal is needed to accommodate the passenger growth that is forecast to continue.” This year traffic is down at the airport, which officials have blamed on having fewer seats to fill. Through November, the number of passengers leaving the beach is off last year’s numbers by 8.8 percent, while incoming traffic is down 9.49 percent, according to Horry County statistics.
AirTran’s departure comes as two charter air services plan to come to Myrtle Beach this spring, though neither had plans to pick up AirTran’s route to Atlanta. Myrtle Beach Direct plans to fly to Pittsburgh, Newark, N.J., and Niagara Falls, N.Y., while Southern Skyways will fly to Charleston, W.Va., Allentown, Pa., and Cincinnati. “We believe the recent new service announcements by low-cost operators Myrtle Beach Direct Air and Southern Skyways who, combined, will provide nonstop service to six markets, will more than offset any affect from AirTran’s current decisions,” Bourcier said in an e-mail.
AirTran rarely calls it quits in a market. The last time the airline permanently pulled out of a city was three years ago when it ditched Tallahassee, Fla., and Greensboro, N.C., Graham-Weaver said. “We don’t like pulling out of any market we serve,” she said. “We’ve given it a try but unfortunately it just didn’t produce the profitability we need.”
About AirTran
Hub — Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Myrtle Beach passengers in 2006 — 59,225
Fourth-largest airline serving Myrtle Beach International Airport
Copyright (c) 2006, The Sun News, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
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