Midwest Airlines Midwest Miles (Pre-Alignment) - Republic to present at Raymond James Airline Conference

For those interested, Republic CEO Bryan Bedford will give a presentation this Thursday (February 4, 2010) at the Raymond James 2010 Growth Airline Conference.

Below is a link to Republic's press release with further details:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Republic-Airways-to-Present-bw-574174259.html?x=0&.v=1

I suspect that we will get more insight into the creation of more uniform product offerings, the future of the Frontier/Midwest brands, and the revenue environment in both DEN and MKE. There may also be some route announcements Thursday as well.

As it relates to the on-board product, some details are starting to leak already. Apparently, Republic leadership has been spending a lot of time in Denver recently. At a Station Manager meeting, Wayne Heller talked at length about the decision not to install LiveTV on the Embraer aircraft due to the added weight of the equipment (how does jetBlue make it work on their E190s???). Heller went on to say that Frontier can't continue to mis-lead customers by pre-selling TV access as part of Classic or Classic-Plus fares on flights operated by the E190s. While LiveTV is apparently a no go, WiFi installation is under serious consideration. The big question, of course, is what does this mean for the future of LiveTV on the Airbus jets?

No official word relating to LiveTV, but it was included in a post at the blog "All things Frontier" (http://allthingsf9.blogspot.com/2010/02/calm-before-storm.html) and is being discussed on several other sites as well.

At the very least, there will hopefully be something meaningful to discuss on this board (it's been pretty quiet lately). I also expect Bedford will chose his words more carefully this time :)

I have no idea why JetBlue can offer the Live TV on E190s and Republic can't.

They both are operating the E-190s with 100 seats (99 in Midwest's case...as one seat is blocked due to the pilot contract).

Perhaps JetBlue uses lighter seats?

JetBlue doesn't have ovens for cookies, but I wouldn't think it would make that much difference.

Do people that fly Midwest just weigh more or what???? :D

With Southwest installing Wi-Fi on all of their planes and FL's Wi-Fi already installed, can YX and F9 be far behind? I think the question about Wi-Fi has to be when and not if.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-southwest-wifi-jan29,0,2203439,print.story

Here is the FL link for the webcast of the Raymond James Airline Conference:
http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rj53/register.aspx?conf=rj53&page=aai&url=http%3A//www.wsw.com/webcast/rj53/aai/

The link might have to be altered to reflect rjet for Bedford's speech, instead of aai, as I'm not sure if this link is just for Fornaro's speech or for all speakers.

Link to register for rjet?
http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rj53/register.aspx?conf=rj53&page=algt&url=http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rj53/rjet/

Do people that fly Midwest just weigh more or what???? :D

I can remember sitting in Terminal 3 at LAX many times waiting for the MKE flight to arrive. You always knew when the YX aircraft arrived as there were many over weights waddling through the Terminal. :eek::eek::eek:

I can remember sitting in Terminal 3 at LAX many times waiting for the MKE flight to arrive. You always knew when the YX aircraft arrived as there were many over weights waddling through the Terminal. :eek::eek::eek:

No wonder they became know for their extra-wide seats!!

With Southwest installing Wi-Fi on all of their planes and FL's Wi-Fi already installed, can YX and F9 be far behind? I think the question about Wi-Fi has to be when and not if.


I would like to see the LiveTV stay on the Airbus' and integrate wifi on the E190. This will allow business travelers the ability to access wifi on business routes and leisure travelers entertainment on their trips.

Hopefully we'll get some much anticipated news on Thursday.

Perhaps JetBlue uses lighter seats?

Someone correct me if I am wrong but i think LiveTV requires new seats to be installed anyway? It would be surprising to me that JetBlue could do it but RJET can't. A lot of the twitter traffic for Frontier is people loving the inflight TV.

Ultimately though I think Wifi is more important for the business traveler. I've found inflight wifi to be invaluable to me on countless occasions. It would definitely be a leg up if they could have both LiveTV and Wifi but if it comes down to one or the other, Wifi has a lot more potential for entertainment.

If WiFi is offered, it would be nice if they could also install power outlets. Makes the wifi much more useful on longer flights.

AirTran has the wifi, but doesn't offer power, so I always try to fully charge at home or at the airport before boarding.

I have no idea why JetBlue can offer the Live TV on E190s and Republic can't.



Maybe the economics are somewhat better for jetBlue since they own LiveTV, LCC.

I can see where having LiveTV on the E170 might cause some weight issues, but not on the E190.

Bummer about the Live TV not being installed in the E190 if true. As for new routes announced tomorrow if Bryan chooses to do so, I think he will reveal the restoration of MKE - SEA as seasonal to start in May or June. MKE - CWA will probably be announced too. I have a feeling OMA and MCI will get some attention also. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon.

I have a feeling OMA and MCI will get some attention also. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon.

I'm wondering if OMA-LAX might be in the cards. Part of the problem last time was that Midwest only offered one flight per day. With the Frontier relationship and Denver hub, there are a lot more flight options available.

MKE-SEA and MKE-CWA are no-brainers. The only surprise is that they haven't been announced already.

Frontier was just awarded slots for LGB service, so that will likely be announced very soon as well.

I'm wondering if OMA-LAX might be in the cards. Part of the problem last time was that Midwest only offered one flight per day. With the Frontier relationship and Denver hub, there are a lot more flight options available.

MKE-SEA and MKE-CWA are no-brainers. The only surprise is that they haven't been announced already.

Frontier was just awarded slots for LGB service, so that will likely be announced very soon as well.

SEA and CWA are no brainers, but I doubt we will see any surprises when it comes to MKE. Not for awhile. Bryan said his priority is to build MKE back to the way it was before YX scaled back 40%. I think the surprises for YX will be OMA and MCI. A big surprise would be P2P routes from other airports like IND and PIT. That would cause some major buzz on the forums. I know some people on airliners.net are hoping for MKE - GSP because Republic has a base there? I am not so sure that will ever happen. I hope to listen in on the presentation tomorrow. :)

SEA and CWA are no brainers, but I doubt we will see any surprises when it comes to MKE. Not for awhile.

I tend to agree with you, but Republic has been running a lot of ads in Milwaukee that have mentioned new and restored routes. As has been discussed before, the new route would probably be San Diego but who knows. Maybe something completely out of left field is coming.

I tend to agree with you, but Republic has been running a lot of ads in Milwaukee that have mentioned new and restored routes. As has been discussed before, the new route would probably be San Diego but who knows. Maybe something completely out of left field is coming.

I don't think MKE-SAN is very likely, although the fact that F9 already serves it makes it more viable than it was when YX was standalone. If it does happen, it will likely be seasonal, just like FL.

Having said all that, I would be ecstatic if MKE-SAN did come back, as I tend to vacation there once or twice every winter.

I agree with flyYX that any new route announcement will include SEA as well as expansion out of non-Milwaukee airports.

I don't think MKE-SAN is very likely, although the fact that F9 already serves it makes it more viable than it was when YX was standalone. If it does happen, it will likely be seasonal, just like FL.

Having said all that, I would be ecstatic if MKE-SAN did come back, as I tend to vacation there once or twice every winter.

I agree with flyYX that any new route announcement will include SEA as well as expansion out of non-Milwaukee airports.

Here's some food for thought: when SFO and RDU were announced, Bedford stated that six additional routes were under serious consideration for MKE.

I'd be surprised (pleasantly) to see MKE-SAN added, but Midwest always carried a lot of Milwaukee passengers on MCI-SAN. Also, they do need to compete with AirTran. I'm fairly confident Midwest was going to add MKE-SAN in 2008 until oil went crazy.

The obvious answer to why it's a problem for RJET and not JetBlue is that RJET is using the E190 on longer routes than JetBlue is using their E190's on, so JetBlue is not running into weight restrictions while RJET fears they will. I honestly don't know if that's true or not though, but it's the obvious answer that comes to my mind.

The obvious answer to why it's a problem for RJET and not JetBlue is that RJET is using the E190 on longer routes than JetBlue is using their E190's on, so JetBlue is not running into weight restrictions while RJET fears they will. I honestly don't know if that's true or not though, but it's the obvious answer that comes to my mind.

I understand your line of reasoning, but JetBlue does (or has) use the E190 on some pretty long routes (BOS-AUS, SFO-AUS, SEA-LGB) that are well over two hours in actual flight time, which is comparable to what Republic is currently doing. JetBlue doesn't seem to have much of a problem operating these flights.

Perhaps there are planes to use the E190s on longer routes (MKE-West Coast) during certain times of the year in which case weight could certainly be a factor.

For those interested, Republic CEO Bryan Bedford will give a presentation this Thursday (February 4, 2010) at the Raymond James 2010 Growth Airline Conference.

To review FL's presentation this morning, check out post on FL board:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airtran-airways-rewards/1048096-fl-presentation-raymond-james-2010-growth-airline-conference.html

Did anyone listen to the webcast this afternoon?

Bedford should be finished speaking, by now, but I do not see any press release of his comments, as of yet.

Here's a link to the presentation.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjcxMzIzOXxDaGlsZEl EPTM2NzczM3xUeXBlPTI=&t=1

Here's a link to the presentation.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjcxMzIzOXxDaGlsZEl EPTM2NzczM3xUeXBlPTI=&t=1

Thanks for posting the link. It was interesting, but no big newsworthy surprises or hints of upcoming changes. I do, however, keep hearing that buzzword, "harmonize," in reference to the brands.

Here's a link to the presentation.

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MjcxMzIzOXxDaGlsZEl EPTM2NzczM3xUeXBlPTI=&t=1

Thanks MostlyAir! I found it interesting how much lower Republic's cost is to fly the E190 compared to AirTran's B717. Likewise for the A319 compared to the AirTran B737. I think I am reading the graph right. :) Also, what stuck out for me is "exploit point to point opportunities". I can't wait to see where they try some point to point routes. What does Republic need to do to ease the 100% hold on Visa and MC payments?

... What does Republic need to do to ease the 100% hold on Visa and MC payments?

We would need to negotiate. However, I think the riskier your business or the situation you are in develops a higher credit card hold back. And since the airline industry is a very risky business there is a high credit card hold back for all airlines.

Another thing with airlines is that people don't receive the service until they get on the plane. This may also be leading to a high credit card hold back. When the person gets on the plane is when the airline gets the money if the hold is at 100%. Its what put Frontier into bankruptcy.

Thanks MostlyAir! I found it interesting how much lower Republic's cost is to fly the E190 compared to AirTran's B717. Likewise for the A319 compared to the AirTran B737. I think I am reading the graph right. :) Also, what stuck out for me is "exploit point to point opportunities". I can't wait to see where they try some point to point routes. ?

Time would seem to not be an ally To Republic. Is Republic more efficient than any of the other LCCs? No, their lower CASM is due in large part to low wages paid. Given that they have aspirations of no longer being a regional carrier, over time one would expect wages to increase. Pilots can now anticipate a longer career path with Republic.

What does Republic need to do to ease the 100% hold on Visa and MC payments?

In a nutshell - perform. The only reason that a holdback is imposed is for the acquiring banks, processors to cover any risks due to chargebacks. I noticed that no mention is made of 4th Quarter '09. Are those earnings out yet?

Thanks MostlyAir! I found it interesting how much lower Republic's cost is to fly the E190 compared to AirTran's B717. Likewise for the A319 compared to the AirTran B737. I think I am reading the graph right. :) Also, what stuck out for me is "exploit point to point opportunities". I can't wait to see where they try some point to point routes. What does Republic need to do to ease the 100% hold on Visa and MC payments?

Keep in mind Republic did not put standard error bars or 95% confidence interval error bars on their bar graphs so we have no way of knowing if that difference is statistically significant

Mariner posted this article on airliners.net. It offers more insight on Bryan's presentation last week. It also criticizes lack of transparency from Republic. I tend to agree.

http://www.centreforaviation.com/news/2010/02/09/republic-airways-plays-it-closer-to-the-chest-than-usual/page1

Mariner posted this article on airliners.net. It offers more insight on Bryan's presentation last week. It also criticizes lack of transparency from Republic. I tend to agree.

http://www.centreforaviation.com/news/2010/02/09/republic-airways-plays-it-closer-to-the-chest-than-usual/page1

Interesting article flyYX, thanks for posting. It does include some intriguing discussion about the future of the code shares Delta/Midwest, Frontier/Air Tran.

It never occured to me that one possibility would be for Republic to dump the Delta codeshare in favor of the Air Tran code share.

Now an expanded Air Tran/Frontier/Midwest/Republic codeshare, that could be a powerful combination. Peachtree avenue would p** its pants.

Interesting article flyYX, thanks for posting. It does include some intriguing discussion about the future of the code shares Delta/Midwest, Frontier/Air Tran.

It never occured to me that one possibility would be for Republic to dump the Delta codeshare in favor of the Air Tran code share.

Now an expanded Air Tran/Frontier/Midwest/Republic codeshare, that could be a powerful combination. Peachtree avenue would p** its pants.

I am thinking "expect the unexpected" when it comes to Republic and their code share agreements. Who they pick to partner with may surprise a lot of people.

I am thinking "expect the unexpected" when it comes to Republic and their code share agreements. Who they pick to partner with may surprise a lot of people.

OK, this is really far out there, but I wonder if Midwest/Republic could become a feeder for AirTran's longer routes out of Milwaukee. That would free up YX/F9 aircraft to start a new focus city elsewhere.

There are a lot of flaws to this logic, but can't hurt to throw it out there for discsusion, however unlikely this scenario may be.

Knowing that NWA/Delta started the whole TPG/NWA purchase of Midwest and that Republic/Delta have a long relationship. My guess is keeping the Delta code-share.

From conference call....

Mike Linenberg - Banc of America-Merrill Lynch

Okay. Then just, if I can just one last one related to this. Right now Midwest has the one-way code-share with Northwest Delta. One, do you anticipate that that will continue? Two, any opportunity or any chance to maybe turn that into a two-way? Your thoughts on that.


Bryan Bedford

Our expectation is that Midwest longer term is successful with Frontier. We believe it’s important that that network participate in a domestic alliance. That’s going to be Delta’s decision. So we’re with those guys unless they don’t want us. I’m sure we’ll flush that out over the course of the next 90 days, and if not sooner depending upon whether or not there’s a Midwest relationship with Frontier, or Republic relationship with Frontier, perhaps.

Putting that aside, the second part of your question about the dual directionality of the code-share, as I understand it, that’s a pilot scope issue for Delta and so I don’t think Delta management necessarily can do that, certainly not without some consideration from the pilots. Whether or not that that rises to the level of something they want to go tackle or not, I think is highly questionable. So we’re certainly not anticipating a reciprocal code-share relationship with Delta anytime in the near term.

Knowing that NWA/Delta started the whole TPG/NWA purchase of Midwest and that Republic/Delta have a long relationship. My guess is keeping the Delta code-share.

From conference call....

Mike Linenberg - Banc of America-Merrill Lynch

Okay. Then just, if I can just one last one related to this. Right now Midwest has the one-way code-share with Northwest Delta. One, do you anticipate that that will continue? Two, any opportunity or any chance to maybe turn that into a two-way? Your thoughts on that.


Bryan Bedford

Our expectation is that Midwest longer term is successful with Frontier. We believe it’s important that that network participate in a domestic alliance. That’s going to be Delta’s decision. So we’re with those guys unless they don’t want us. I’m sure we’ll flush that out over the course of the next 90 days, and if not sooner depending upon whether or not there’s a Midwest relationship with Frontier, or Republic relationship with Frontier, perhaps.

Putting that aside, the second part of your question about the dual directionality of the code-share, as I understand it, that’s a pilot scope issue for Delta and so I don’t think Delta management necessarily can do that, certainly not without some consideration from the pilots. Whether or not that that rises to the level of something they want to go tackle or not, I think is highly questionable. So we’re certainly not anticipating a reciprocal code-share relationship with Delta anytime in the near term.

Hopefully on the next conference call, someone will flat-out ask Bedford what his plan is for the F9/FL relationship.

OK, this is really far out there, but I wonder if Midwest/Republic could become a feeder for AirTran's longer routes out of Milwaukee. That would free up YX/F9 aircraft to start a new focus city elsewhere.

There are a lot of flaws to this logic, but can't hurt to throw it out there for discsusion, however unlikely this scenario may be.

You have to ask "Why didn't AirTran drop their code share agreement with Frontier after Republic purchased them?". There is a whole lot of unknowns at this time. My best guess is, AirTran is sticking in there for a reason and is probably talking to Republic right now.