Isn't the O'Hare redo supposed to be entering a pretty tough stretch here pretty soon? Maybe that's a reason for a shift back here?imperialmog wrote: The only scenario I could see AA do that is if they have real problems with their O'Hare hub since reversing the hub closure would be a major admitting a mistake. (Granted the execs are different now and it has been 5 years) For some reason I was thinking there is a gate issue at O'Hare down the road.
ORD (along with DFW) gets re banked tomorrow, has been a major undertaking with lots of planning across AA. There are plenty of gates to support the Chicago operation which is poised to grow with lower cost structure and ability to right size aircraft gauge (previously there was a large gap between 66 seat CRJ-700 and 140 seat Super 80) but with less restrictive scope and plentiful A319s entering the fleet and merged US Airways fleet more growth is coming. Several markets throughout the Northeast AA no longer serves but are part of the US network that can be connected to ORD. The last thing the airline needs is another hub in St. Louis of all places.dweebe wrote:Isn't the O'Hare redo supposed to be entering a pretty tough stretch here pretty soon? Maybe that's a reason for a shift back here?imperialmog wrote: The only scenario I could see AA do that is if they have real problems with their O'Hare hub since reversing the hub closure would be a major admitting a mistake. (Granted the execs are different now and it has been 5 years) For some reason I was thinking there is a gate issue at O'Hare down the road.
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Looks like there has been some major progress on the Cargo hub initiative with Mexico. . . .
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/d ... ership.cfm
https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/d ... ership.cfm
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^ that's cool.... maybe it will also attract the attention of Carlos Slim, the world's second wealthiest man. He just bought a historic office building in downtown Detroit and speculation is that he'll follow that with other properties. (Little know fact about Carlos Slim... he is a second cousin of Minnesota Fats)
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Where would the facilities be built? I haven't seen any plans but I'm guessing on the north side of the Airport near other facilities and railroad tracks. Its just hard to figure out from aerials what is currently in use and not in use.
A few new distribution/office parks are already under development.
^Two developments are underway in Hazelwood near Lambert.
Aviator Business Park is a 2.7-million-square-foot mixed-use business park attractive to light manufacturers, data centers, distribution operators, hotels, and office users. 155 acre infill development near Lambert.
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Hazelwood Logistics Center is a 165 acre business and industrial park
located adjacent to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in North St.
Louis County.
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^Two developments are underway in Hazelwood near Lambert.
Aviator Business Park is a 2.7-million-square-foot mixed-use business park attractive to light manufacturers, data centers, distribution operators, hotels, and office users. 155 acre infill development near Lambert.


Hazelwood Logistics Center is a 165 acre business and industrial park
located adjacent to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in North St.
Louis County.



^ I believe Aviator Park is going to break ground on 500,000 sqft spec warehouse and has a commitment for another 200,000 sqft facility tied to Boeing's composite work.
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^ Is that composite work a part of or separate from the 777X parts work?
As for the dual customs facility, has there been any proposal as to where on airport grounds that is supposed to be?
It makes sense this is the airport's big push now, since in terms of passenger service I don't see much in terms of service holes left domestically for markets that have enough traffic demand that could warrant a non-stop. On that front the focus is likely to increase frequency and seek international service. Just not sure if there is any market where there is non-stop service now but could use more capacity.
As for the dual customs facility, has there been any proposal as to where on airport grounds that is supposed to be?
It makes sense this is the airport's big push now, since in terms of passenger service I don't see much in terms of service holes left domestically for markets that have enough traffic demand that could warrant a non-stop. On that front the focus is likely to increase frequency and seek international service. Just not sure if there is any market where there is non-stop service now but could use more capacity.
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"service holes".....hmmmm......imperialmog wrote:^ Is that composite work a part of or separate from the 777X parts work?
As for the dual customs facility, has there been any proposal as to where on airport grounds that is supposed to be?
It makes sense this is the airport's big push now, since in terms of passenger service I don't see much in terms of service holes left domestically for markets that have enough traffic demand that could warrant a non-stop. On that front the focus is likely to increase frequency and seek international service. Just not sure if there is any market where there is non-stop service now but could use more capacity.
I have to say that looks pretty neat. According to the news release only nine other states have livery planes mostly in states with a major WN presence like AZ, CA, IL, MD, TX, etc.
http://southwest.investorroom.com/index ... &item=2006Southwest Airlines Shows Its Love To The Show-Me-State: Unveils Missouri One
Airline honors Missouri with specialty aircraft and dedicated fare sale
Apr 15, 2015
DALLAS, April 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) today celebrates more than 30 years of service in the state of Missouri with the unveiling of the Airline's newest specialty aircraft, named Missouri One—a Boeing 737-700.
Southwest and state and local government leaders revealed the aircraft in Kansas City, where Southwest first began its Missouri service in 1982. The aircraft, emblazoned with an artist's rendition of the Missouri state flag, was unveiled at a ceremony this morning at the Kansas City location of Aviation Technical Services, with whom Southwest has partnered for more than 35 years. Southwest Employees, community members, and executives were on hand, including Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.
"Kansas City and St. Louis have been vital cities in our network for more than 30 years," Kelly said to an enthusiastic crowd at the unveiling. "I couldn't think of a better way to 'show' our love to our Employees, Customers, and friends in the great state of Missouri than by dedicating this high-flying salute to them!"
Further demonstrating Southwest's dedication to both the Kansas City and St. Louis communities, Southwest donated $5,000 each to Science City at Union Station and the St. Louis Science Center. The funds will help support Science City's Summer Camp, which sparks interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for children ages 6-12 through interactive, challenging, and fun activities, and contribute toward scholarships for the St. Louis Science Center's Flight Academy Camp.
"We've always valued the enduring partnership between the state of Missouri and Southwest Airlines," said Governor Jay Nixon. "As a tribute to 30 years of quality service by Southwest and Missouri's proud aerospace legacy, this magnificent plane will showcase the Show-Me State's aerospace strength around the world."
Kansas City band Lost Wax performed as attendees enjoyed local coffee from The Roasterie Coffee Company, and cheered as Kelly, Governor Nixon, and Kansas City Mayor Sly James closed the event by christening the aircraft amid fanfare. The plane then proceeded to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport for additional festivities, featuring Mayor Francis Slay.
In celebration of Missouri One, Southwest today launched a special three-day fare sale with fares as low as $59* one-way from both Kansas City and St. Louis to select destinations nationwide (see fare rules below). These low fares are available for purchase only at Southwest.com, Swabiz.com, or by calling 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, today through April 17, 2015, 11:59 p.m. PT for travel Aug. 25 through Oct. 28, 2015. Some blackout dates apply. See fare rules below for details.
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possible headline on Gateway Pundit about this: Gov. Nixon buys himself a boeing 737 with taxpayer money as people have to pay $5 for a gun permit

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I like how they put the inner elements of the state seal out to the side of the engine creating a relief effect. Also the stripes are offset from the seal but matching the lines on the tail.
If I'm not mistaken, this is also their first new specialty design with the new livery. (they may have done one or two updates of existing specialty ones with the new livery) Its always neat when I go to the airport to try to spot any specialty designs on planes.
If I'm not mistaken, this is also their first new specialty design with the new livery. (they may have done one or two updates of existing specialty ones with the new livery) Its always neat when I go to the airport to try to spot any specialty designs on planes.
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The Onion should create the MOnion.dbInSouthCity wrote:possible headline on Gateway Pundit about this: Gov. Nixon buys himself a boeing 737 with taxpayer money as people have to pay $5 for a gun permit
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Got back from a trip to London this week and it seems like the airport is looking a lot nicer over time and more crowded. I did see there was a rebound in traffic in Q1 this year after a bad Q1 last year due to weather last winter was terrible. It is of note that this year looks even better when you consider this year is the first post Wright Amendment one which affected Southwest connecting people here to get to Dallas which would create a distortion.
Did notice on my United flight to O'Hare both ways it was sold out, not sure if that is common and if they could use more frequency and/or larger planes. (also note it seemed most were connecting to international destinations) I know why United is about all regional jet here due to one of their carriers having their base here so they need to rotate planes. But it got me thinking, for the 3 remaining legacy carriers, is there some routes to their hubs that could use better frequency and/or upgauging due to selling out seats and/or better connectivity to their respective networks?
Did notice on my United flight to O'Hare both ways it was sold out, not sure if that is common and if they could use more frequency and/or larger planes. (also note it seemed most were connecting to international destinations) I know why United is about all regional jet here due to one of their carriers having their base here so they need to rotate planes. But it got me thinking, for the 3 remaining legacy carriers, is there some routes to their hubs that could use better frequency and/or upgauging due to selling out seats and/or better connectivity to their respective networks?
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It took my wife 75min to get through security this morning in terminal 2. She travels frequently and today was the busiest she's ever seen it.
My coworkers that have always done the STL>ORD>destination and vice-versa have been complaining recently about sellouts. Like travel is now no longer done a short notice whimsy but instead are planning ahead because of STL>ORD and ORD>STL sellouts.imperialmog wrote:Did notice on my United flight to O'Hare both ways it was sold out, not sure if that is common and if they could use more frequency and/or larger planes. (also note it seemed most were connecting to international destinations) I know why United is about all regional jet here due to one of their carriers having their base here so they need to rotate planes. But it got me thinking, for the 3 remaining legacy carriers, is there some routes to their hubs that could use better frequency and/or upgauging due to selling out seats and/or better connectivity to their respective networks?
In my travels back and forth to Atlanta (employer's main office), all the ATL/STL flights on SWA were sold out way in advance. It's almost impossible to get a direct flight short notice.
One Friday, a meeting ran long and I had to try to catch a different flight that evening. All the flights to STL were sold out. They could get me on flights to KC, Milwaukee, Midway, Baltimore, etc. but all the flights from those cities to STL were sold out. Had to fly out in the morning.
Definitely think SWA/AT could add frequency somewhere. Especially from ATL.
One Friday, a meeting ran long and I had to try to catch a different flight that evening. All the flights to STL were sold out. They could get me on flights to KC, Milwaukee, Midway, Baltimore, etc. but all the flights from those cities to STL were sold out. Had to fly out in the morning.
Definitely think SWA/AT could add frequency somewhere. Especially from ATL.
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I have heard from two people in Rhonda's circle that a "substantial" expansion of flights will be forthcoming by July 4th....The announcement, that is...Airlines have big-time momentum these days and they are ready to pounce on markets that need flights.
I'll believe this when it happens. Who would be doing this expansion?sirshankalot wrote:I have heard from two people in Rhonda's circle that a "substantial" expansion of flights will be forthcoming by July 4th....The announcement, that is...Airlines have big-time momentum these days and they are ready to pounce on markets that need flights.
AA / US? They have made it clear they are a hub-centric airline and we already have service to all of their hubs.
DL? They have eliminated far more routes than they have added in recent years (RDU, JFK, MEM. CVG is likely to go soon.)
UA? I don't think they even have more than 1 mainline flight per day out of STL.
WN? They are more focused on the continued expansion out of Love Field. They are also close to being gate constrained.
Jet Blue? Virgin America? Maybe... but if they did start service, it would be limited markets which already have non-stop service from STL.
Spirit? Oh god... I surely hope not.
That's pretty much the full list of options....
Greg
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^ If i had to guess anything is most likely added seats and/or frequency to places already served. Since there does seem to be issues with that recently with a few posts. It does seem a few routes to hubs could use more seats. With Southwest, something has to give with their gate issues. Likely will have to start reopening D soon if they expand any further.
If I had to guess any expansion of service is among the following in no particular order:
Southwest adds some frequency to routes needing it, especially any that have one flight a day like RDU and others like ATL and BOS (the latter as a possible measure for another possibility) and to have a daily flight to San Diego go year round. Possibly a new non-stop or two. (guesses as to possible ones are Hartford, Charlotte, Des Moines, Wichita, and restarting Albuquerque)
Alaska deciding to make the AM flight to Seattle go year round at least a few days a week. And if Southwest doesn't make the San Diego flight year round, Alaska might be tempted at some point to start that.
Jet Blue enters the market flying to Boston which is a route that seems to be hard getting a flight close in non-stop now.
UA, DL, and AA could be adding frequency or upgauge to their hubs if there is a lot of full flights and for connectivity. That normally wouldn't be an announcement unless there is no service to a particular hub but that doesn't apply here.
British Airways arrives with a non-stop to London. They are supposed to start getting more 787s late this year so its possible. There seems to be some connecting the dots that point to this becoming more likely over time between known conversations with airport people with them and recently adding a 787 gate along with they are having success with the Austin route compared to other new routes started with a 787.
Its likely a little bit of several things, like how this summer new service and expansions are from several places.
If I had to guess any expansion of service is among the following in no particular order:
Southwest adds some frequency to routes needing it, especially any that have one flight a day like RDU and others like ATL and BOS (the latter as a possible measure for another possibility) and to have a daily flight to San Diego go year round. Possibly a new non-stop or two. (guesses as to possible ones are Hartford, Charlotte, Des Moines, Wichita, and restarting Albuquerque)
Alaska deciding to make the AM flight to Seattle go year round at least a few days a week. And if Southwest doesn't make the San Diego flight year round, Alaska might be tempted at some point to start that.
Jet Blue enters the market flying to Boston which is a route that seems to be hard getting a flight close in non-stop now.
UA, DL, and AA could be adding frequency or upgauge to their hubs if there is a lot of full flights and for connectivity. That normally wouldn't be an announcement unless there is no service to a particular hub but that doesn't apply here.
British Airways arrives with a non-stop to London. They are supposed to start getting more 787s late this year so its possible. There seems to be some connecting the dots that point to this becoming more likely over time between known conversations with airport people with them and recently adding a 787 gate along with they are having success with the Austin route compared to other new routes started with a 787.
Its likely a little bit of several things, like how this summer new service and expansions are from several places.
Interesting... Pretty serious Cargo Development!
http://www.flystl.com/Newsroom/Blog/tab ... oject.aspx
http://www.flystl.com/Newsroom/Blog/tab ... oject.aspx









