Didn't see this coming;


From: EmployeeNews
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 9:16:32 AM
To: EmployeeNews
Subject: Southwest Requests Gates at Dulles International
Importance: High
Auto forwarded by a Rule



Southwest Attracted to One of the Fastest-Growing Regions in the Country
Southwest has requested two gates at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for service that we intend to start in the fall of 2006.

"We are celebrating 35 years of Legendary Service in 2006. Still, the opportunities to grow our famous Southwest Low Fare leadership within the United States are abundant," said Gary. "The sheer size and scope of the Washington, D.C. metro area makes Washington Dulles International Airport an exceptional market opportunity. Located in northern Virginia, Dulles will be a terrific complement to our Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) operation located near Baltimore, Maryland."

Dulles is one of three major airports within the sprawling Washington, D.C. metro area, which has a population of approximately eight million people. Along with BWI—our fourth-largest airport with 165 daily departures—and Ronald Reagan National Airport, some 65 million people travel into and out of the area each year.

The northern Virginia area near Washington Dulles includes three of the nation's fastest-growing counties, Loudoun, King George, and Caroline. Fueled by the presence of such companies as MCI Inc., Oracle Corp., Orbital Sciences Corp., America Online Inc., and Nextel Communications Inc, developers are clamoring to keep up with demand in the area.

"The population and business growth in northern Virginia means a great opportunity is rapidly getting even better," Gary said. "As the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area continues to expand, the need to serve our Customers in northern Virginia becomes more urgent."

Southwest has not yet announced how we will weave Dulles into our existing network. We will announce those routes along with fares this summer.

"The Baltimore/Washington market and Maryland's BWI airport are very important to Southwest Airlines," Gary said. "We are very excited to grow our Baltimore/Washington presence and welcome new Virginia Customers at Dulles with our Low Fares and Legendary Customer Service."

IAD is approximately 50 miles from BWI. Here are the mileage comparisons with other existing multi-city operations:
• PBI-FLL: 42 miles
• LAX-BUR: 18 miles
• LAX-ONT: 47 miles
• LAX-SNA: 36 miles
• MHT-BOS: 45 miles
• PVD-BOS: 49 miles
• MHT-PVD: 84 miles

 

and look for xjet to follow...

 

Southwest sure is bold! Denver, and now IAD. What's next, ORD?

 

So.....
Is this a move to go after United?

First Denver, their main hub. Then Dulles, the location of some of their main east coast flying? (I'm not sure it is a hub). They already compete in Chicago.

With oil above $60 a barrel and United exit plan based on oil at $40 a barrel, is SWA going after United?

Just a thought....... What do you think?

FNG

 

I heard yesterday that SWA is going to buy all the Delta
gates at DFW! Maybe even purchase the Delta hangar.

 

I heard that WN was going after FDX in Memphis and UPS in SDF too !

 

Now that would make for some seriously interesting news if true

 

Too bad DAL doesn't own any of that stuff any more. All of the non-AMR aircraft are being religated to the E terminal.