Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
Of all the MKE routes, I think MSP is one of the most likely targets for the cutting block once Southwest takes over. That route runs high loads but it has almost no O&D traffic (for AirTran anyways). It's unusual in that regard compared to the other AirTran MKE routes. I think the MSP link is part of the reason AirTran can justify such high frequencies to LGA and DCA.
Everything you say is pretty much true but MSP has connections most everywhere FL flies out of MKE not just LGA and DCA.
But the contrarian in me says MSP grows and MSP-MKE connex change as DL will downsize their former NWA MSP hub in a few years and the new WN would be well positioned to replace it.
Both FL and WN seem to love competing with DL. It has been profitable for them.
MKE? That will be a matter of who survives at the current level of competition. DL and AA have increased seats to their main hubs. US and UA just sort of maintaining. They're all fighting for share regardless of profitability and waiting to see what happens. I don't see WN or FL with a roughly 40% combined share blinking but RJETs relatively low level of unrestricted cash becoming a serious problem not to far out. (less than $200M and 95% credit card holdback with $2.6B debt)
Could say B6 buy up F9's Airbus metal with gates in MKE, DEN and a few other cities and expand Westward in today's environment?
And Republic returns to their successful core business as a regional jet provider?