CLE is - and will be - an offload point for EWR more than IAH. And that only makes sense given the high number of east coast connection opportunities and a decent amount of west coast non-stops. Let's face it, EWR already has major congestion issues and CO will need to be creative if they want to grow. Pushing connectors via CLE rather than EWR certainly can open up some much needed "slots" for international flights. On a similar note, CLE can certainly be a relief point for connecting traffic to LGW, AMS, CDG & FRA. Is there lower O/D in CLE? Of course, given the size of the region in comparison to the other hubs. That does not mean additional international or domestic routes would not do well. I have been told repeatedly that there simply is not enough new equipment to grow additional routes out of CLE, but that is slowly changing with the new 738s and 753s going online.

And, for the record Channa, you bring up some valid points but I must disagree with your comment regarding Clevelanders "shooting off the hip in a desperate attempt to get any service they can". You specific example regarding TLV seems a bit uniformed regarding the ethnic and cultural mix of our community. Cleveland has a very large - and wealthy - Jewish population that would certainly support a non-stop to TLV and there are other similar groups that would support of cities such as DUB and FCO. Would there be demand for daily flights? Most likely they would be seasonal.

In addition, adding CLE-AMS makes a LOT of sense and there is a large number of the regional business communities who want it. Even if it means losing LGW. Why? Connecting in AMS is a lot easier and quicker. Who wouldn't prefer CLE-AMS-MUC over CLE-EWR-AMS/CDG-MUC?