Originally Posted by airplanegeek
formeraa – you’re correct, I was looking solely at metro population. Either way, SAT is a large city with a huge latin presence, a vacation destination, and home to several thousand Air Force personnel (multiple bases and basic training). Not sure SAT makes sense to AS unless they link it to a logical Mexico destination.
I think we’ve overplayed our Hawaii theories. Wait and see.
If AS starts swapping M80s for 738s, this is merely a replacement. New flying will only occur if additional aircraft are gained. Last I checked, AS didn't have any spare aircraft or much downtime with current a/c. Assuming they will add a 5+ hour flight will certainly require extra a/c.
Well, I believe that SAT could work with the Mexico connection. Aside from 2 flights to Mexico City and some commuter flights to Northern Mexico, SAT has relatively little Mexico service and a relatively large Mexican American population. I would think non-stop to CUN/CZM and possibly other Eastern Mexico resorts might be profitable.
The SEA-SAT domestic market could be feasible, particularly if it is paired with AUS or HOU/IAH. According to the DOT, SEA is one of the largest passenger market out of SAT that isn't served by non-stop flights. IIRC, there are 150+ people flying between SEA and SAT each day.
I agree that we will have to see about Hawaii. I could see FAI/ANC to HNL/OGG because there isn't a whole lot of competition on the route. SEA/PDX are a little bit trickier because of significant existing service and the sheer length of the route. You get one round-trip and the plane is pretty much done for the day (ETOPS rules require a higher level of maintenance on those aircraft).