IcelandAir nonstop to DEN
 

I realize this is the F9 forum, so I'd like to talk about the possibility of a codeshare agreement with Icelandair on this new service:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_18846550

I think if F9 could score a deal (Icelandair already codeshares with Alaska and JetBlue in the states, so there is some precedent), it would be a major victory for the airline. It would open up their frequent fliers to Europe which we've so desperately wanted (especially those that enjoyed the DL codeshare with Midwest). It would require a double connect for non DEN flyers to Europe, but for the right price and convenience could work well.

Could be very interesting thing for FI. They will have a consider. If they will ever start a direct flight from DEN-KEF nonstop. Is that a 757 aircraft. Surely, they will have a great opportunity flying to DEN. Let's wait and see if they have a real official release. If FI will ever to bring more capacity growth and will able expanding more new nonstop KEF-PHX/LAX/LAS and few others US cities, too.

A major victory for Frontier would be establishing a codeshare/frequent flier agreement with an airline like American, U.S. Airways or even Virgin Atlantic. Icelandair...not so much.

While a codeshare with Icelandair would be a start, a potential double connection with a stop in a second tier airport is hardly the most attractive option available. It would probably attract low yield junk traffic. While it might help Icelandair fill seats, the traffic probably won't be very lucrative.

Frontier needs an option that benefits the entire network and appeals to a wide variety of passengers.

IMHO, Icelandair would need to do a code share with either UA, F9, or WN to make this route work as I just don't see much OD demand between DEN and RKV. Can they really stimulate enough US/European connecting demand to fill their plane without a codeshare, especially when we already have BA to LHR and LH to FRA from DEN?

Surely one of the major networks would be preferred, but that doesn't look like much of an option for F9. Most of the major international carriers already have partners in the US that cover more destinations than F9. FI doesn't have any major tie ups and an F9 codeshare would give them more US coverage than they already have (via Alaska and B6).

I agree that they'll need some sort of feed to stick at DEN. WN won't because of pilot contract, so that leaves UA and F9. UA already does its own Europe flying and has plenty of partners to get people to Europe. That leaves F9 as a strong contender.

A FF partnership with one of the major networks would be a real plus. Anything is better than nothing.

Let's keep in mind, Bedford has been promising one for quite some time now. So far, nothing. :o:o

Certainly Icelandair isn't a top-tier partner, but there's some benefit if they do align:

--For Denver travelers, it's a way to earn or spend Frontier miles going to Europe. Thought few people just go to Iceland, most destinations in Europe require a connection from Denver anyway.

--For Kansas City and Milwaukee travelers, Icelandair offers connections via BOS or MSP. Obviously a double connection is not nearly as attractive, but leisure travelers looking to earn or spend miles has an option to get to Europe.


It goes without saying that a top-tier partner would be a fantastic improvement, especially with someone who has both domestic and international. But this would be a good first step.

I think your spot on when you say that any potential relationship with Icelandair could be a benefit to leisure travelers looking for a good bargin or a way to burn some miles.

A codeshare and/or frequent flier agreement with almost any airline would be a good first step for Frontier. As RSVP mentioned above, Bedford has said several times that Frontier was close to inking a deal with an airline (last year he mentioned Frontier hoped to announce something in Q1 of 2011) yet there is still nothing. I'm not sure why they're having so much difficulty in this area.

If Icelandair is the best Frontier can get right now, they absolutely should go for it. However, Frontier needs to start thinking bigger picture and more long-term. Frequent fliers also need to have options for other parts of the world as well.

Buyer's remorse, perhaps.

It's already bookable on icelandair.us

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The local Swedish community is pretty excited about this. The biggest plus is that the ARN-KEF flight doesn't depart until 2pm, which means you can avoid the massive TATL crowds in the mornings.

Naturally, the biggest disadvantage is the brutal eight hours in a 757, and, as a *A flyer, the possibility of not earning points on UA.

That's amazing. I'm a bit surprised that the new Denver mayor was quoted as saying Icelandair hadn't made a final decision yet in yesterday's newspaper article.

I believe that Fontier was the one who was cast off by both DL and FL, and not the other way around. It looks like Frontier is not considered to be all that valuable a partner, even after negating the competition factor.

In the "good old days" of Midwest, there was always a very desirable FF partner, whether it was NWA (2x) or AA. Both carriers offered not only domestic, but international options, as well.

From their website, they only run 752s & 753s. Will those aircraft be able to make it?

I'm not sure how desirable it was, but Air Jamaica was there for a while also.

I don't think other airlines, especially domestic, want to invest anything into a fragile airline and Frontier doesn't have the cash to invest in a code share either. Until Frontier is financially stable, other airlines will probably stay away.