badflaps

Now that you are flying TYS/MDW, I will ride you till the tires fall off.

Vegaspilot

No it’s not (short sighted or fear mongering...it wouldn’t let me multi quote). The base closure speculation comes from the company saying they are re-evaluating the base structure (both in emails and base visits), that the numerous small bases are a headwind in good times. There was talk about the bases before COVID even happened. Opening 2-3 new small bases a year never made sense and it seems the company is starting to question it and even backtrack on it. Ive heard that there two factions in management...one who likes the small bases and another that doesn’t and it seems like the one that doesn’t might be winning. Now that they’re pulling the BOD in to discuss the operation with finance, planning and fleet leadership it seems something is going on. Could they leave it as is? Sure. But I suspect they were considering changing course on it before and this whole thing may have reinforced/sped up that decision.

jegermeister

The company did say that it was considering a reduction of bases, but that was when it seemed as if the whole operation was in question. To say that reducing the amount of bases has been on the table prior to this pandemic ignores the reality of what they have been doing. In a normal economy, small bases are competitive advantage. I can’t see them changing that strategy. I don’t dispute that some bases will come and go. They’ve proven before that they will close a base that’s under performing. I understand the frustration of people in bases that have reached capacity. Watching junior people to yourself with a better schedule/pay is frustrating. But hoping for a change in base strategy is wishful thinking.

My 2 cents


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Vegaspilot

I understand your view point. I’m not wishing or hoping for anything that would negatively impact our pilots, just posting my observations and what I think might be coming. More to make sure even though furloughs appear to be off the table, a base restructuring isn’t necessarily off the table and to not be caught off guard if it comes down.

akulahunter

I would be surprised (really surprised) if there is any major change to the base structure. The discussion prior to COVID was really just to slow base growth, not to totally change the strategy. They weren't going to change to a 5-7 base structure, they were trying to decide if 4 (or even 5) new bases a year was a good strategy. Which, obviously, could have been better if we slowed just a little.

The only real mistake (in my opinion) so far has been opening SAV as a permanent base right away (and maybe opening so many so fast). However, times were great! We were printing more money than the Treasury. They went aggressive. I can't fault them on that, but at this point taking the foot slightly off of the gas makes sense.

Don't expect a huge change in structure and I would even bet we hire this year while the legacies are possibly furloughing without another bailout.

9easy

If the Canadians decide to keep the land border closed the rest of the year, it might not bode well for BLI. Looking at flights next month, there's several flights with only 1-5pax, and even flights with zero pax that haven't been cancelled.

canuckian

I’ve been worried about that too. Plattsburgh is pretty dependent on Montréal. I live 15 minutes from Niagara Falls and the airport is normally about 2/3 Ontario cars.

cactusmike

I hope you guys continue to serve BLI. I was going to try and ride to LAX soon. Saves a pain in the butt drive to SEA.

I think the border will open sooner rather than later. The milk smuggling into Canada will restart as well. COSTCO gas lines will balloon again.

canuckian

Most reports are saying that it’s going to be extended to the end of July. As long as it’s open in time for the snowbirds. There’s going to be a lot of demand once it opens. Tons of Canadians with second homes or family in the US.

canuckian

Unusual loophole. Canadians can fly to the US but not drive. Doesn’t help Allegiant unfortunately.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/u-s...-fly-1.5607741