boyzarus

As a pure statement of fact(I know, because I live it every week as a commuter), Commutair is driving lucrative United customers away because of their extremely poor service. If it wasn't for our compelling Mileage Plus program, no one would stick with us. I regularly see people walk across the terminal and get on our competition because they just can't take it anymore!
I don't blame the rank and file pilots and flight attendants, but there are some serious internal operational problems with that company. They serve the market in western NY to EWR and for the life of me, I can't understand why United continues to do business with them. First of all these markets are massively underserved by United. At least they're saving money on marketing and advertising because with unreliable 37 seat DHC-8s, there are no seats to sell. The flights are quite literally full/oversold constantly. And when they're not broken or lacking an operating crew, they're weight restricted to 35-36 seats. Commutair has the most absurd weight and balance program I've ever seen. Back in the USAir days of Dash-8s, that aircraft was a lock to take all of the passengers and bags. What the heck changed?! It doesn't help that they're not a Cat II carrier either.
And now, they are attempting to operate RJ145s. Never mind that they're still using the same archaic weight and balance system as the Dash-8. They're weight restricted on that aircraft too! ExpressJet never seemed to be. They are regularly delayed or cancelled because of no available crew or a maintenance problem. Apparently when they moved their maintenance hub from Cleveland to Albany, the majority of their experienced mechanics didn't move. So they've had to hire a bunch of new folks who are learning as they go.

I get it that there are business decisions about serving certain markets that may not be obvious. But Commutair's constantly poor service has got to change. Either get better or get out. Our customers and our business is suffering because of them. What I'd give to have main line service on United to EWR! Just like the '80s and '90s when there were B727s, DC9s and B737s serving the NYC market.
I hope that SK takes a look at this segment of our business and addresses it soon. There's to much money at stake!

pilot0987

U didnt make ur commute did you.

402DRVR

Perhaps United should end the regional experiment. Bring that flying in house on suitably sized aircraft and negotiate a pay rate. Gives them full quality control over the product all the way, and more job security for mainline pilots.

jsled

Well...United ordered 65 737-700s last year with the stated goal of replacing a gaggle of 50 seaters, but they have since deferred that order and contracted with AIr Whiskey to provide MORE 50 seaters. So there's that.

Larry in TN

I think Air Wisconsin would do a lot better job than Commutair is doing right now.

The passengers have noticed the problems.

Commutair - poor operations of late. - FlyerTalk Forums

pokey9554

Airline On-Time Performance Reports ? FlightStats, Inc.

Here are the performance stats.

Select "Regional Airlines" on the tabs, then select "North America" for the region.

FlyingKat

Didn't you hear....you own a piece of Commutair

AboveMins

Can't say I feel bad. There already was a great 145 operator in place, until someone wanted to save a few pennies. May as well transfer over the rest of the XJT fleet right now and be done with it (sarcasm).

boyzarus

Nope. Neither did paying pax.

Nevjets

This is all UAL management's fault. They are the ones people need to complain to. ExpressJet was their best performing regional and now they are sending their aircraft to TSA and CMT. Not to mention the new 175s they keep awarding Mesa. Put me with those who would like to see all aircraft operated with the United brand to be operated by united employees.