BoilerUP

Again, why not RFD or DFW? Both are center-of-country (ish), already have sort facilities, aren't too far from significant ground ops and are less likely to be impacted at the same time as a front hitting the primary sort.

Seems odd the company would seek to reinvent the wheel 3 hours up I-71.

Omnipotent

It needs to be a short driving distance from SDF. Call SJ yourself and ask him what he's been working on during his TDY "special assignment".

What they really want is a third N/S runway in SDF, but even the company realizes that aint happening with what would be required to make it a reality.

Commando

They had there chance in 1987, and screwed it up as usual. BNA has 8 runways, center of the country, huge work force, rail, highways, etc.

Typical ground inbreed manager decisions. Just like the 747-8, when everyone in the World knows the 777 is the best platform. But they are too cheap. Always have been.

RickyBobby

DFW is getting crowded, there is limited room for expansion on the W side of the airfield.

AFW, however...railhead on one side, interstate highway on the other, plentiful labor, and a business friendly environment. The former AA hangar would have been a great facility to keep maintenance intensive aircraft (MDs) limping throughout the system. Plus you could reach just about any U.S. gateway (HNL would be a slight stretch), all the major Canadian gateways, and easily access much of Central and South America.

Additionally, there is a lot less traffic in/out of AFW, versus DFW.


RB

cougar

I don't understand this statement, why is the 777 the best platform? In what regard?

Commando

One was a UPS acquisitions manager saying it was. He said it was the best platform out there today. That was a year ago. Money changes ATL's mind real quick.

And I guess to back that up, almost all new orders from Freight companies the past years have been for the 777F. So these mangers have done the homework and almost all have gone with the 777F.

Southern Air, FDX, Saudia, Qatar, TNT, Lufthansa, Korean, ANA, LAT Chile, Etihad, Emirates, Aero Logic, China Southern, Air France, Air China, etc.

But these airlines were willing to spend the $. I'm sure UPS stole the 747-8. This is why they bought it. Hopefully they surprise us all, and they order the 777F, but I don't believe the rumor on this one. Maybe the 777-200ER-bcf, since they can also get for a song.

mrvmo

Cathay Pacific, Atlas, Korean Air, Al-Nippon, and Cargolux.....all top tier frieght departments, you fail to mention, use the Ocho extensively as part of their operation. Oh...and Lufthansa....which you mentioned, has 19 ochos running pax.....

CactusCrew

There is no weather. Thats not an issue, its probably their favorite excuse for not making service. It shifts blame, that's airline management's speciality.

They might also attempt to consider KLCK as a co-domicile. That 3 hour (210 mile) "limo" ride would make for some real ass pain before/after a duty period.

If you don't even consider this crap could happen, then you must be new here. They do "odd" things here on a daily basis.

Tango Uniform

Im sure UPS got the Ocho for a steal. I think there were some other factors involved too.

Everybody wants to save money on twins. 1987 UPS was launch customer for the 757 PF instead of buying up more 727's 30 years later, FDX is buying every frame it can find now. 1995 UPS was the launch customer for the 767 PF. Instead of buying up MD's Again FDX is buying them to replace the 10/11 fleets now. Other carriers (Amazon) are buying up 76's

The T7 is great on economics with 330 min ETOPs. You are seeing carriers that flew the MD buying them. The 744 buying them. UPS does their homework for the most part (a-300 deal). I expect a T7 order to eventually replace the MD. Honest opinion 330 minute ETOPs in a twin is scary. Just for safety factors I'd rather have the extra engines. ETOP's Regs are not permenant. If engine incidents start occurring the FAA will pull back the 330 min guaranteed. There goes any economic saving you may have had right out the cargo door.

Tango Uniform

RFD and DFW are too far ground ops to the North East. KLCK can be trucked to the majority of the east within 2 days and a couple hours ground from SDF.

FDX uses AFW as a hub. Correct DFW is tight. Last Thursday afternoon I think every position on the ramp had equipment parked in it. There is room, not much to expand the ramp to the north at DFW.