EWR764

For international, absolutely... looking at 2018, EWR was doing less than half of JFK. They were probably a little closer during the pandemic, though JFK still has a considerable edge there, which is structural. But domestic O&D (based on 10% sample), EWR actually had a slight edge, about 8.9mm originating enplanements vs. 8.0mm at JFK. Most of that is attributable to within-perimeter spillage from JFK to LGA, but it still speaks to the strength of the EWR catchment.

dmurphynj

Nassau County - #10 wealthiest county in the USA
Hunterdon/Morris/Somerset Counties - # 13/14/15 wealthiest

So yeah, I'd say those regions (NNJ, LI) are wealthier than most.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._United_States

JimInOhio

For clarification, those are median income stats. Wealth is something different and probably harder to gauge.

dmurphynj

Indeed, but fairly indicative of well-to-do areas. Living here, I'd concur with that list.

UAFAM

Tiny hope for UA to take advantage of this policy, may be

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...tional-flights

ty97

Do we know how many international carriers haven't restarted their routes yet?

I know DL and B6 would probably like the waivers extended, but I'm certain they'll make sure to use their slots now that the waivers are expiring.

dw

There are definitely slots not being used by Aeroflot

moondog

-enough to fulfill UA's dream?
-don't other airlines also want them?

UAFAM

Delta’s Slot Squatting in New York Reaches New Heights

If Delta has a good use for these slots, then great, use them. But what it’s doing now is just preventing other airlines with a better use from getting them, hoping that demand returns eventually. This is not how slots should work.

https://crankyflier.com/2022/10/31/d...s-new-heights/

moondog

That seems like a smart move on DL's part to me:
1. They've invested heavily in NY, and want to preserve its value
2. All three of those destinations are university cities that have students from NYC

I think the NE Alliance is more anticompetitive, but I'm guessing it will stand.

dw

Note that there are a lot of slots not being used by mainland Chinese carriers as well as CX, however:

”The FAA anticipates there will be a limited number of carrier requests for relief in Winter 2022/2023 based on foreign government-imposed travel restrictions or highly restrictive temporary limitations on flights. The FAA will work closely with OST on any such requests to determine appropriate action based on the circumstances and factors such as reciprocal treatment for U.S. carriers.”

That sounds exactly like they anticipate negotiating with the Chinese carriers for exemptions

ty97

UA flies from 2 of those 3 cities to EWR.

NYC Flyer

So called "slot squatting" seems pretty much the same thing as a landlord sitting on vacant property until they get the rent they want or it makes economic sense to build-it's just a business decision. USAir did it for years in NYC when they couldn't make more productive use of the assets. Eventually another company believed they could do more, and made a deal to take most of the slots over. Certainly anyone who believes the slots are more valuable to them than they are to Delta can make an offer.

If one is to take the view that these slots are somehow to be managed for the "public good", I suppose it would be fair (however unrealistic) to compensate every carrier for all the investments they've made at these airports and then hold a new auction for the slots and real estate. Otherwise, it seems logical that carriers should be free to work within the contstraints the government has laid out.

Repooc17

So slot uses should be based on the merit of the route? Delta can decide on the use of slots however the carrier sees fit.

jsloan

Nobody is making any money flying university students on short flights.

I'm not saying it's not a good business move for Delta, but they'll lose hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per flight.