Originally Posted by Daze
"today's industry realities" are that DIA has two hub carriers and every gate in all three concourses is occupied. Expansion is in progress for F9 and maybe UA soon. Why would these realities suggest a lowering of prices by
DIA?
UA and F9 do a lot of connecting traffic thru DIA--it's not as dependent on the ski resorts as one might think.
F9 has expanded Mexico service considerably, although their destinations are probably not what the post would suggest.
If UA disappears there will be a hole to fill, but that will have to happen first
before there will be any space for a carrier to expand at DEN, without new construction.
I agree with you regarding the current situation at DIA. CO could only justify some expansion there if there was a pullback or pullout by UA. F9 is doing well from DIA, so I can't see any opportunity for CO expansion other than a significant reduction in UA's presence that would free some gates.
HOWEVER, both of my daughters live in DEN and they tell me that even with all gates occupied, the airport loses money. Perhaps the gates are occupied but underutilized???
CO could still possibly expand Mexico service from DEN if there is some gate or terminal capacity that can handle the jungle jets, because they do not require regular gates to operate. I'm not sufficiently familiar with DIA because I avoid it, if possible. CSP and a rental car are the same travel time to see the girls and cost less.
Robin