Would the Midwest Express model work on a larger scale?
Dec 11, 2002 | 3:28 pm
#1
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Would the Midwest Express model work on a larger scale?
Imagine if we didn't have to worry about upgrades? That's the best part of flying YX (and even WN, to a decree). Would people here be willing to pay a premium (yet not a ridiculous one) for solid one-class service?
What would you expect of the FFP with an airline like this?
What would you expect of the FFP with an airline like this?
Dec 11, 2002 | 5:22 pm
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Yes, I'd probably pay a reasonable premium for better seat and service. Unfortunately it would not work well on a large scale in this country where "cheapest possible fare and never mind service" is king. Midwest Express has been around for a pretty long time (since 1984 or so?) but is still relatively small airline and doesn't seem to expand much, although they finally expanded to AUS. 
Dec 11, 2002 | 7:20 pm
#3
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Midwest Express has said in interviews that a plane with 3+3 seating reduced to 3+2 is not optimal. That leaves the 717 as the only plane still made that fits. They did say that they would not rule out the 3+3 planes.
The majors haven't even followed American's increased seat pitch so they won't take out more seats like Midwest Express. In theory, it's possible to charge a little more, cut costs a little bit, but it won't happen.
The majors haven't even followed American's increased seat pitch so they won't take out more seats like Midwest Express. In theory, it's possible to charge a little more, cut costs a little bit, but it won't happen.
Dec 11, 2002 | 7:29 pm
#4
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But Midwest Express is 2+2 seating using DC9s. Why can't they continue with the 2+2 seating and newer equipment, to expand?
I can see why they don't want to expand. They have a geographical niche, similar to Alaska Airlines. They have generally been profitable until recently.
I can see why they don't want to expand. They have a geographical niche, similar to Alaska Airlines. They have generally been profitable until recently.
Dec 11, 2002 | 8:32 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Skylink USA:
Midwest Express has said in interviews that a plane with 3+3 seating reduced to 3+2 is not optimal. That leaves the 717 as the only plane still made that fits. They did say that they would not rule out the 3+3 planes.
[...]</font>
Midwest Express has said in interviews that a plane with 3+3 seating reduced to 3+2 is not optimal. That leaves the 717 as the only plane still made that fits. They did say that they would not rule out the 3+3 planes.
[...]</font>
Dec 11, 2002 | 8:41 pm
#6
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by richard:
But Midwest Express is 2+2 seating using DC9s. Why can't they continue with the 2+2 seating and newer equipment, to expand?
</font>
But Midwest Express is 2+2 seating using DC9s. Why can't they continue with the 2+2 seating and newer equipment, to expand?
</font>
Dec 12, 2002 | 8:09 am
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I don't think the ME model would work nationwide. Right now, they have a good niche that doesn't require them to compete with rock-bottom airfares. They "own" a lot of routes by themselves. (From Kansas City, I've flown them about a half-dozen times: always because they were the only choice, and always at a somewhat premium fare.)
If they went national, they'd have to compete with low airfares, and I doubt they could be profitable.
If they went national, they'd have to compete with low airfares, and I doubt they could be profitable.
Dec 12, 2002 | 8:14 am
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by zrs70:
What would you expect of the FFP with an airline like this?</font>
What would you expect of the FFP with an airline like this?</font>
Dec 12, 2002 | 8:30 am
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The Midwest Express model doesn't seem to be working on its current scale, so I doubt anyone would be willing to try it on a larger scale.