I’m not sure which rumor will come true first. Widebodies at JB or a new IROP solver program. 😂

 

This makes me think we're a match made in heaven.

 

I think the big question is the big hub and spoke model or the point to point model. JB despite claiming to be primarily point-to-point, appears to operate more hub and spoke, with large bases generally. Network still claims a point-to-point model, I think the truth is somewhere in the middle.

But what happens when you suddenly acquire several other bases with around 30 flights a day each? You claim to be point-to-point, are there not 30 destinations that have high enough revenue and demand to support the flights? Network claims that despite having what appears to be large connecting hubs, connections actually make up a small percentage of the itineraries. Of the ones that do connect, connecting onto an international partner is big part of that. If it's true that only a small proportion connect, then I see some truth in the point-to-point model and see how they could run many smaller bases from large metros, and then it isn't really a factor that DTW and ORD are close together, as it isn't intended to be a connecting hub for the region. Although, they could chose one of the two to be a connecting hub for the region, and still keep the other as a point-to-point base.

There is a growing recognition that limited bases means limited recruitment and retention of pilots. Yet another reason to keep some smaller bases. And of course the cost of closing them.

With ATL, from a point-to-point standpoint, it again doesn't matter that it's close to FLL/MCO. JB has large hubs in NY/EWR/BOS, but is increasing non-base flying from Hartford, for example. I think there are many point-to-point markets from ATL that could work with a best-in-class product at a LCC fare.

I still see this as trying to move towards nationalizing the brand, and closing bases in large metros doesn't do that. From a hub and spoke standpoint it would be necessary, but not from a point-to-point frame. Yes, it's also about FLL, which I see a little less as removing a competitor, and a little more as creating something approaching, or something that smells a little bit like a fortress hub, but knowing full well it wouldn't truly be a fortress hub.

And if one of these bases happens to be a hub for the Evil Empire that copies everything we do, I see it as even less likely to be closed.

​​​​​​Will be interesting to watch for sure.

 

Everyone keeps saying this. Nobody in the DTW metro is driving to ORD to take a flight, they will just fly on delta. They might as well be 1000 miles apart as far as passengers are concerned.

As for revenue:

"The nine county area designated by the OMB as the Detroit–Warren–Ann Arbor Combined Statistical Area (CSA) includes the Detroit–Warren–Dearborn MSA and the three additional counties of Genesee, Monroe, and Washtenaw (which include the metropolitan areas of Flint, Monroe, and Ann Arbor, respectively). It had a population of 5,318,744 as of the 2010 census, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, covering an area of 5,814 square miles"

B6+NK would have over half the gates in the north terminal and a brand new maintenance hanger in a 130 gate delta base.

Getting rid of DTW is as short sighted as getting rid of ORD if your goal to to compete with legacies and I dont think anybody at NK understood why they were shrinking them other than some half brained plan to put 50% of our operation in florida. Just one big storm away from disaster.

P.S. Im rooting for B6. Always liked you guys and the jetblue product. If they had a base where I live I would have applied there first.

 

From a regional connecting hub point of view, yes ORD/DTW wouldn't make sense. But JB claims to be, and largely is a point-to-point airline, so in MY opinion, I don't see them closing DTW.

The Evil Empire kept DTW and MSP as large connecting hubs, and they are very close together, hub wise. It's because the O&D traffic in both cities is substantial and valuable. Delta would have no meaningful competition in DTW if JB closed it, which I DON'T see happening.

 

Why are you all talking like IROP$ are a bad thing? Premium, premium premium $$$$$!

 

Until the customers decide they actually want to GET there, and go to Delta.

 

Kudos to you, ignore these pricks who have trouble standing for anything. If your healthy, there is zero reason to take it. It may make international travel hard to impossible, but someone who’s willing to stick to their guns, it’s rare, especially in the face of financial stress.

 

What would be more beneficial
B6/AMR alliance or
B6/NK acquisition?

DOJ most likely won’t allow both

 

Why won’t they allow both? Does NK bring a significant change to NEA slot portfolio of the combined AA/B6/NK?