Originally Posted by
Mudhen200
Once the 400's are gone - Three 700 freighters. No combi's. By the end of 2016, the fleet is suppose to be 800's, 900's and Max.
Lots of future flying for QX in AK. What are we gonna do? Take a 800 to PSG, WRG, ADQ, DGG, ADK, DLG, AKN, YAK, CDV, SIT, BET, and make any money? The State of AK will largely go back to QX turbo props with seasonal AK jets on a few markets. The AK mainline will continue its "outside" (that's how AK folks say "lower 48") battle with Deltoid - which so far has added so much growth and prosperity that I am thankful for them putting a fire under Brad's feet.
Alaskans are not real happy with the Q400. Seems the bean counters figure it works on paper, but not in the real world. The crews are not familiar with Alaska flying in general (personal experience on a recent flight that boomeranged going to Kodiak due to a 20 kt crosswind).
If people have a choice they will choose Ravn (ERA) or Penair, rather than Horizon. No TSA hassle and local pilots flying well known routes. If Alaska decides to completely drop jet service to Alaska's smaller communities then it will be the end of Alaska airlines loyalty. It would be bad timing as Delta is increasing flights to Anchorage, FAI and Juneau. Alaska Air forgets its roots when focusing on "outside" markets like MarkAir and Wein Air Alaska did, well history shows how that went.