Fly Youngstown Blog

YNG’s Moment - United Seeking Underserved Markets

It appears that United Air Lines is looking for new markets where competition from low cost carriers is absent.  Many smaller underserved markets where a profit can be obtained is part of their new growth plan. 

In an earlier post I suggested YNG go after a fuel effiecient turboprop route to IAD.  It would be a creative and different suggestion to United that they wouldn’t normally receive.  Now with this news from them it is a hand in glove situation that might not require funds to the airline up front.  To sweeten the deal YNG could waive fees of their choice for a particular timeline.  I think this is something important that YNG needs to reach for and capture right now.

Courtesy:  Airport Business

United Leaves Big Cities Behind In Growth Plan - 5 Pages

http://www.airportbusiness.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=21625

YNG-Allegiant Succeed with High Oil Prices!

FROM THE BUSINESS-JOURNAL | VIENNA, Ohio – Allegiant Air, the sole passenger regular carrier serving the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, reports its flights were nearly filled to capacity during June.

Airport director Steve Bowser told the board of the Western Reserve Port Authority Wednesday morning that Allegiant’s average load factor on flights from Youngstown-Warren stood at 97% last month, three points above its national average of 94%.

“The numbers are very good,” Bowser said. “It’s tough right now, and the airline industry is in a position to re-invent itself. I think this is a huge opportunity for Youngstown.”

For the quarter ended June 30, Bowser said Allegiant’s load capacity from Youngstown-Warren was roughly 92% compared to 91% nationwide. “Allegiant is one of the more profitable airlines operating now,” Bowser noted.

The airline books two flights each week to Orlando, Fla. Allegiant is in a better position than most airlines because it relies on revenues generated from other sources such as hotel bookings and vacation packages.

Allegiant’s encouraging passenger rates out of the airport could encourage other airlines to take measures to consolidate or reduce the number of direct flights, Bowser said, that there is a strong aviation market in the Mahoning Valley.

The port authority is seeking to recruit new air service to Youngstown-Warren.

“Allegiant is one of the top-25 low-cost carriers in the world,” Bowser related. “There’s a lot going on in the industry and we should see how things shake out in six to 12 months.”

The port authority also allocated $258,394 toward a new de-icing machine. The funds were made available through a federal grant. Matching funds of $13,600 were provided by Winner Aviation Inc., the airport’s fixed-base operator.

And the board approved spending $79,069 for maintenance work on the airport’s fence line that includes lighting and signage upgrades.

Bowser reminded the board of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station’s open house scheduled for Sept. 13. The open house is part of the 60th anniversary of the Air Force Reserve.

Several World War II-era aircraft, as well as an F-22 stealth fighter, are scheduled to be part of the event.