urbanSTL

jshank83 wrote: ↑

1:26 AM - Jan 12

pdm_ad wrote: ↑

11:52 PM - Jan 11

https://avgeekery.com/allegiant-and-sun-country-merger/

Seems that most think MSP will see cuts as a result of this merger but I'm curious if this will have an impact at BLV. Jshank, I saw your post over on airliners where you think this will be a positive, think we'll see additional routes or frequencies or both?

I think it all but guarantees international flights next year their customs is done.

The interesting thing for me is if they start doing connections since Sun Country does them. If that happens then it opened up a ton of new flight options from BLV with one stop.

As for other new destinations either they have to start doing pilot overnights or it needs to be a base before I think it really opens up options

I saw this in meeting minutes from St. Clair County Economic Development from mid-January. 
"Allegiant and Sun Country have announced plans to merge, with the merger projected for the second half of 2026. The combined airline will remain a competitive, leisurefocused carrier, consistent with their current business models. The merger adds significant potential, including 105 destinations currently served by Sun Country, an expanded aircraft fleet, and new opportunities through international destinations, opening doors that Allegiant has not previously had. Additionally, Sun Country's cargo operations for Amazon add another layer of opportunity. While there are still many unknowns, the merger presents substantial upside and long-term potential. "

addxb2 wrote: ↑

5:12 AM - Feb 15

jshank83 wrote: ↑

Dec 16, 2025

Airport update from the BLV director. Mentions discussions with Breeze, Avelo, JSX, Sun Country.

Interesting comment about an Avelo base. Apologies if you already mentioned this or if it was mentioned in the video. 
"The most productive discussions were with Ave lo, which operates under a business model similar to Allegiant Air. Avelo plans to purchase aircraft in 2027 and 2028 and is currently identifying locations to base them. They are considering 10 locations, and our airport is one of them. Ave lo is planning to acquire 50 aircraft, with approximately five aircraft assigned to each location. "

That’s wild. I definitely hadn’t seen that. Crazy to think Avelo could base here before Allegiant

^Isn't Avelo still busy working with DHS to deport people?

Bart Harley Jarvis wrote: ↑

2:18 PM - Feb 16

^Isn't Avelo still busy working with DHS to deport people?

I think they sold a couple of their planes to dhs and dhs is running their own flights. So Avelo isn’t anymore.

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/avelo- ... n-flights/

matguy70 wrote: ↑

7:38 PM - Feb 16

I just wish BLV didnt exist ... period.  These flights/passengers would be at STL instead.

Aye.  Keep all the ULCC's at Mid-America.  It's like the Greyhound terminal of the skies.

matguy70 wrote: ↑

7:38 PM - Feb 16

I just wish BLV didnt exist ... period.  These flights/passengers would be at STL instead.

I don't 100% believe that. I think some would but I don't think Allegiant would be as big as it is if it was at STL. They would have much higher fees and be competing head to head with Southwest, Frontier (and Spirit before they left). Now would in general those people be flying out out of STL because they have to fly out of somewhere, sure, but I don't think it would be near as many on Allegiant and I don't think the numbers would be as much. 

If the region were growing it wouldn’t be an issue, it would be a massive asset. There would be enough to go around.

I used to sneer when mentioning BLV. But, the flights are ridiculously cheap and the airport is ridiculously easy so I've become a convert and have been using it more and more. 

I am seeing more commercials on TV for Belleville's airport.  I think it would be great to see combined reporting for our market.  Is there enough traffic to boost our ranking of passengers above Love Field?  IDK but I guess I could look it up,  I do agree Allegiant might not invest as much if the fees were higher.  I hope they are able to catch a base and continue to expand,  It is nice to be one of the few metros with 2 airports.  Not many do.

MikeKinSTL wrote: ↑

12:04 AM - Feb 17

I am seeing more commercials on TV for Belleville's airport.  I think it would be great to see combined reporting for our market.  Is there enough traffic to boost our ranking of passengers above Love Field? 

No we would still be around a million behind

BLV December

Passengers
up 20.47% vs Dec 2024
up 25.97% full year vs 2024
382,843 total passengers for 2025

December loads
Orlando 82.35%
St Pete 81.33%
Punta Gorda 81.12%
Sarasota 78.96%
Gulf Shores 69.81%
Destin 67.08%

Full year loads
Las Vegas NV (LAS) 87.29%
Punta Gorda FL (PGD) 86.72%
Orlando/Sanford FL (SFB) 86.26%
St Petersburg/Tampa FL (PIE) 83.46%
Myrtle Beach SC (MYR) 81.44%
Sarasota FL (SRQ) 79.70%
Savannah GA (SAV) 78.94%
Gulf Shores AL (GUF) 78.84%
Destin FL (VPS) 78.69%
Fort Lauderdale FL (FLL) 78.41%
Jacksonville FL (JAX) 78.13%
Knoxville TN (TYS) 56.78%

If you’re St. Clair County, you must be happy to see the turnaround that this airport has had. I remember growing up that this was a laughing stock. Now it’s expanded, has solid growth, and a MetroLink connection. It’ll never be a huge secondary airport, but it’s fair for what it does.

Chris Stritzel wrote: ↑

11:32 PM - Mar 13

If you’re St. Clair County, you must be happy to see the turnaround that this airport has had. I remember growing up that this was a laughing stock. Now it’s expanded, has solid growth, and a MetroLink connection. It’ll never be a huge secondary airport, but it’s fair for what it does.

It earned its own segment on NBC News' "The Fleecing of America" back in the late 90s or early 2000s. It's nice to see it's finally coming into its own, even if its original creation wasn't necessarily justifiable in terms of the expense versus the benefit.

Multiple segments.