Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
The TUC schedule...
TUS.
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
The issue of low frequency can actually be a big issue in some markets due to limited options and low network connectivity. BDL and RDU are two prime examples where Frontier probably handicapped themselves a great deal by offering limited flight schedules with few useful connections. This is hardly a useful or beneficial schedule for business travellers.
F9 is a leisure airline. If business travel was their target segment, their strategy would include tactics that lured business travelers. No FF alliance = little to no business traveler revenue.
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
Back when Midwest was still flying, they competed well against Southwest to places like SAN, MCO, and FLL. While yields were OK, the real issue Midwest faced was this it wasn’t economical to fly 88 seat 717s against Southwest 737s.
"Yields were ok, but flying 88 seats in 717s wasn't economical?" True, if you assume YX and WN were competing for the same passengers. That's like lamenting Chipotle losing market share to Bojangles.
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
Looking specifically at BKG, the bigger concerns I have is that this seems to be as a short-term move designed to take advantage of subsidized flying during the slow travel months in fall. If you’re an airline going into a market, aren’t you focused on more long-term objectives?
BB is a day trader-no long term strategy, only short-term gain. The airline takes his personality, much like WN became successful under Herb and his personality. Would Apple be Apple without Steve Jobs? Well, F9/RAH is F9/RAH because of BB. Business travelers aren't attracted to F9's persona (or lack of FF alliance).
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
Realizing network synergies is further complicated by the situation in MKE. I firmly believe (and have been told by a few people in a position to know) that much of the turmoil Frontier currently finds itself in is due primarily to the financial black hole at Mitchell Field.
It's funny how the excitement of MKE traffic increases has turned into "turmoil." MKE fares were definitely a race to the bottom. MKE is a great market for loyalty. YX had unmatched loyalty and that's why they were able to make it work, even with 88 seats on a 717. Blame the economy, crack int he sidewalk, whatever. TH and his obsession with "shareholder value" (outdated way to run a company) killed YX.
Originally Posted by
BlueHorseShoe2000
There are other issues at play, of course, but there’s no reason to get into all of that again.
Yes, and they are:
1. F9 is a, as Knope correctly points out, a bottom feeder.
2. No FF alliance.
3. Uncertain strategy.
4. Passengers aren't paying premium fares and pricing seems to have no discrimination element (which is how airlines maximize revenue/profit).