Originally Posted by
JetJock16
Sure, so let’s say they run 6 flights a day between ATL and GSP. In an effort to find its profitable combination start with 4 Q400 flights and 2 CR9 flights but have higher fuel surcharge on the RJ flights and make it know why. After a month or two then change the combination to reflect GSP's customers willingness to pay the higher surcharge or not. If the route can go all Q400 then make it so but if they're willing to pay the higher price then increase RJ service.
Now for those of you who are ready to flame, I know this won’t happen. First off it makes way to much sense for Mgmnt to figure it out but there are also a number of other reasons that I’m sure you guys will point out.
My main point is that if customers want jet service on shorter routes (1:30 block or less) then give it to them but raise prices. I guarantee that 95% of the customers who fly from GSP to ATL will make some remark about the TPROP but they will return as customers due to the low fares. The other 5% can pay the surcharge or drive seeing it’s only a 3 hour drive down to ATL or an hour up to Charlotte.
The problem with that approach is that you have to have both types of aircraft and someone to fly them first before you can experiment. That's a very expensive way for the losing operator to figure out if customers would pay the premium. Its far cheaper to commission surveys. What operator would accept that contract without significant penalties if the mainline dropped them?