Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
Honestly, I don't think MKE-MSP makes one cent in profit for AirTran. But it provides a critical link to the hub from a network perspective by feeding BOS, LGA, and DCA and allowing AirTran to justify higher frequency than what normally could be supported.
Agreed, but it's not totally unique to AirTran's MKE hub. The same could be said about a number of destinations from other hubs as well. For instance, I'm sure there are a number of DL routes that places like MSP, MEM, SLC, and CVG wouldn't see had they not become hubs for a major carrier.
But, you're absolutely right. FL's MKE-MSP route seems to be particularly pronounced. What I can't figure out is why so many passengers choose to connect on FL on these routes over flying nonstop on DL from MSP. Is there that much of a difference in fare?
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
One other point to consider-Southwest has stated multiple times that they plan to ramp-up ATL quickly and make it into one of their largest stations. Since AirTan has been cutting back in ATL in recent years, the planes needed to fund this expansion will need to come from somewhere and network rationalization will play a big part.
When the acquisition takes place, ATL will immediately become one of WN's biggest stations, if not the biggest. It will be interesting to see what they're able to accomplish. AirTran has been close to maxing out at ATL for a number of years now, and that's one of the reasons they decided to grow in places like MKE, BWI and CAK.
I remember talking to Joe Leonard a few years ago, and he was desperately trying to find places to base all the aircraft deliveries they had on order. He said this was because ATL couldn't handle them. Some of those deliveries have been deferred, and some have already been transferred to WN.
ATL has also been marginally scaled back since then, and maybe WN will take a different approach there (maybe less focused on hub-and-spoke banks to focus on O&D).
It will be fun to watch, that's for sure.