NRT-KIX/BKK/JFK axed in October; MSP-NRT next; LAX-HND to 777
Aug 10, 2016, 7:28 am
#17
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Try a little math: compare DL's TPAC ASMs after these cuts to AA's network today. DL is still far bigger.
As for NRT as a hub, the writing's been on the wall for a long time. See:
- SEA build-up
- the growth of China and S Korea relative to Japan
- DL's non-stop China and Seoul flights from Detroit
- UA/ANA and AA/JAL JVs
- UA's drawdown of NRT (and termination of BKK)
- UA's SFO - China tier 2 non-stops
I would trace the beginning of the end for NW's NRT 747 hub to CO's start of 777-200ER non-stops EWR-HKG in March 2001.
In the mid-2000s Northwest had a loan facility of over $1 Billion secured by Narita routes (and a bunch of old planes -- 742, DC-10, DC-9 -- generally regarded as worthless). I wonder what market value the NRT routes would carry today in a comparable arrangement.
Aug 10, 2016, 7:43 am
#18
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The JFK to NRT is hard to believe considering DL is the NYC domestic and international "home town" carrier! It would be somewhat different if they had a partner on this major route. I find it hard to believe that DL will retain frequent travelers on this route when they can fly superior carriers, JAL and ANA, nonstop instead of a layover at DTW, MSP, SEA, etc. This will be a risk of losing these passengers to Oneworld and STAR for all travel.
Aug 10, 2016, 7:48 am
#19
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BKK unfortunately does not surprise me. I have been travelling to BKK for 20 years, have always enjoyed it and it's people, but something was very different on my last trip, and there was way more, for lack of a better word, unpleasantness in many people. I have had similar feedback from colleagues, as well as in talking to locals when I was there. I, and nearly everyone I've talked to who has been there recently, won't be going back soon. Combine that with a relatively unstable economic situation (everywhere), and I see future demand depressed.
Aug 10, 2016, 7:53 am
#20
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I'd actually go earlier than that and say UA's successful start up of ORD-HKG in 1996 on a 747-400 and NW's flop on MSP-HKG was the beginning of the end of NRT.
Aug 10, 2016, 7:54 am
#21
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Dumb question: does the "October" in the subject mean October 2017? I wouldn't imagine they'd drop something like JFK-NRT on 2 months' notice (and at the moment it's bookable through EOS) but I don't really know how this sort of thing works.
Aug 10, 2016, 7:57 am
#22
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This October or October 2017? Why end the service as the high season is beginning, especially to Bangkok?
Aug 10, 2016, 7:57 am
#23
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Or that too many pax have had too much of the constant service and loyalty downgrades and penny pinching by Dullta. I always thought that the impact of the consequences of Dullta's actions would be more long term (short term it'd look like DL is increasing its profit % and the MBAs who came up with it all would collect their short-term performance tied bonuses, and if they are smart then leave, but long term too many pax will have had enough and will have stopped flying DL in favor of other better run and more customer friendly airlines). This may be the start of it (may being the operational word, only time will tell).
Aug 10, 2016, 8:19 am
#25
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Looking at some dates in November of this year, what I'm seeing on JFK-NRT is that while all inventory has not been zeroed out yet, most of the discounted fare classes (in both Y and C) have been.
Aug 10, 2016, 8:27 am
#26
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Aug 10, 2016, 8:49 am
#28
Join Date: Aug 2010
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Agreed. Mine too. Delta can claim all they want that they are "winning" in NYC but this really hurts us seeking to go to the Pacific region and Japan. New Yorkers value time and this will lead to all of us having to chose a different airline when Delta chooses short sighted profits on one route in lieu of maintaining a network to keep flyers loyal to them in New York. This isn't Minneapolis and we have choices and plenty of them.
Perhaps they should have used the language in their Haneda filing for Minneapolis and instead applied for JFK-HND. People in Minneapolis if not offered non-stop can connect on Delta as there is no competition. Our market, NYC is vast with carriers and if you want us to stay loyal you need to offer service like this connecting two major business hubs. Its common sense Delta for LONG TERM profits.
As they say its like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Perhaps they should have used the language in their Haneda filing for Minneapolis and instead applied for JFK-HND. People in Minneapolis if not offered non-stop can connect on Delta as there is no competition. Our market, NYC is vast with carriers and if you want us to stay loyal you need to offer service like this connecting two major business hubs. Its common sense Delta for LONG TERM profits.
As they say its like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Aug 10, 2016, 9:01 am
#29
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Is BKK travel now impossible on Delta? I was getting ready for a trip in 2017. Very bad news.
Bruce
Bruce
Aug 10, 2016, 9:05 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2012
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Took 3 EU-PRC trips the last 4 weeks connecting through PVG. 12 legs booked in total, experienced:
8 delays (2-3 hours average)
3 invol. changes/reroutes
1 diversion
2 cancelations
Let's say it's more or less like yesterday Delta's experience after their power failure but then on a daily base without Delta frontline staff.