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PostJun 15, 2019#5426

Notes from the event today

Top 3 domestic destinations wanted: IND, SDF, ABQ

Most likely airline to add BOS is SY.

JetBlue almost came 4 years ago.

Intl wise an airline had planned to start service this year but couldn't because of equipment issues. I was told more details on it and I wasn't told it was off the record but I don't really know if it is something they want out in public so I am leaving it at that. You can speculate from there. I do not know if they for sure will start next year if those issues are resolved.

They are looking to start reopening D/E to C next year if they can find funding for it. They know this is a top priority for travelers. 15 million dollars to do it. They think Southwest will want another bank of gates but didn't go into specifics on timeline. But this makes sense with the 3 gates rumor floating around that they are adding. 

They are looking to add a plane spotting location outside of the airport somewhere. Early stages.

If they open up another FIS they will close the one in T2. US Customs doesn't want to run 2 separate ones. 

SLC start date on Southwest was pushed back to Oct 2 because of MAX issues. 
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PostJun 16, 2019#5427

jshank83 wrote: Notes from the event today

Top 3 domestic destinations wanted: IND, SDF, ABQ

Most likely airline to add BOS is SY.

JetBlue almost came 4 years ago.

Intl wise an airline had planned to start service this year but couldn't because of equipment issues. I was told more details on it and I wasn't told it was off the record but I don't really know if it is something they want out in public so I am leaving it at that. You can speculate from there. I do not know if they for sure will start next year if those issues are resolved.

They are looking to start reopening D/E to C next year if they can find funding for it. They know this is a top priority for travelers. 15 million dollars to do it. They think Southwest will want another bank of gates but didn't go into specifics on timeline. But this makes sense with the 3 gates rumor floating around that they are adding. 

They are looking to add a plane spotting location outside of the airport somewhere. Early stages.

If they open up another FIS they will close the one in T2. US Customs doesn't want to run 2 separate ones. 

SLC start date on Southwest was pushed back to Oct 2 because of MAX issues. 
1. Good to see they want those - really some of the last true domestic holes left. Assuming no real interest in MEM or BUF, due to proximity to the first and lack of demand for the second?
2. That I didn't quite expect, but I'm glad SY keeps wanting to expand here, and hopefully compete a bit with Southwest. Did they give any indication as to whether Delta had any interest in adding BOS (or JFK) currently? 
3. Bummer that they didn't. Oh well - keep trying and hoping I suppose.
4. Sounds like Norwegian to me. I know they had some 787 engine issues recently, and now have MAX issues to deal with as well. They seem about as likely as any international carrier to start service to STL to me.
5. Good that they're planning that. $15 million doesn't sound too bad, all things considered. Much cheaper than new construction, at least - seems like they should be able to get the capital put together fairly quickly, especially if the airlines want to chip in. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if they reopened the whole concourse in two 'stages' - one to get Southwest a few more gates past E40 and only then working on the rest of the concourse, since they'd likely have to renovate a lot of concourse that won't get regular use for a while (aside from people just walking through it). Do you know if the reno included reopening the C/D food court? Any info on that gate area that could be a potential 'food court' area by E36? 
6. Very glad to hear that - seems like they actually are listening to public feedback. Hopefully it's in a good location and is well put-together.
7. Hmm. Not entirely surprising, I suppose, but I'm not sure SW will like that. Did they give any indication as to how that'd work (closing the T2 FIS)? If they did close the T2 FIS, I wonder if the accompanying gate areas would be remodeled to remove the secure walkway to the stairs down to the FIS area? 
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PostJun 16, 2019#5428

jshank83 wrote: Notes from the event today

Top 3 domestic destinations wanted: IND, SDF, ABQ

Most likely airline to add BOS is SY.

JetBlue almost came 4 years ago.

Intl wise an airline had planned to start service this year but couldn't because of equipment issues. I was told more details on it and I wasn't told it was off the record but I don't really know if it is something they want out in public so I am leaving it at that. You can speculate from there. I do not know if they for sure will start next year if those issues are resolved.

They are looking to start reopening D/E to C next year if they can find funding for it. They know this is a top priority for travelers. 15 million dollars to do it. They think Southwest will want another bank of gates but didn't go into specifics on timeline. But this makes sense with the 3 gates rumor floating around that they are adding. 

They are looking to add a plane spotting location outside of the airport somewhere. Early stages.

If they open up another FIS they will close the one in T2. US Customs doesn't want to run 2 separate ones. 

SLC start date on Southwest was pushed back to Oct 2 because of MAX issues. 
So much potentially good news in there!

Any explanation why JetBlue fell through?

With the plane spotting location, did you ask if they might ever open up a true observation deck? I could foresee a really awesome amenity with a mini museum like feel, there's so much aviation history in STL and most people have no clue!
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PostJun 16, 2019#5429

Trololzilla wrote:
jshank83 wrote: Notes from the event today

Top 3 domestic destinations wanted: IND, SDF, ABQ

Most likely airline to add BOS is SY.

JetBlue almost came 4 years ago.

Intl wise an airline had planned to start service this year but couldn't because of equipment issues. I was told more details on it and I wasn't told it was off the record but I don't really know if it is something they want out in public so I am leaving it at that. You can speculate from there. I do not know if they for sure will start next year if those issues are resolved.

They are looking to start reopening D/E to C next year if they can find funding for it. They know this is a top priority for travelers. 15 million dollars to do it. They think Southwest will want another bank of gates but didn't go into specifics on timeline. But this makes sense with the 3 gates rumor floating around that they are adding. 

They are looking to add a plane spotting location outside of the airport somewhere. Early stages.

If they open up another FIS they will close the one in T2. US Customs doesn't want to run 2 separate ones. 

SLC start date on Southwest was pushed back to Oct 2 because of MAX issues. 
1. Good to see they want those - really some of the last true domestic holes left. Assuming no real interest in MEM or BUF, due to proximity to the first and lack of demand for the second?
2. That I didn't quite expect, but I'm glad SY keeps wanting to expand here, and hopefully compete a bit with Southwest. Did they give any indication as to whether Delta had any interest in adding BOS (or JFK) currently? 
3. Bummer that they didn't. Oh well - keep trying and hoping I suppose.
4. Sounds like Norwegian to me. I know they had some 787 engine issues recently, and now have MAX issues to deal with as well. They seem about as likely as any international carrier to start service to STL to me.
5. Good that they're planning that. $15 million doesn't sound too bad, all things considered. Much cheaper than new construction, at least - seems like they should be able to get the capital put together fairly quickly, especially if the airlines want to chip in. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if they reopened the whole concourse in two 'stages' - one to get Southwest a few more gates past E40 and only then working on the rest of the concourse, since they'd likely have to renovate a lot of concourse that won't get regular use for a while (aside from people just walking through it). Do you know if the reno included reopening the C/D food court? Any info on that gate area that could be a potential 'food court' area by E36? 
6. Very glad to hear that - seems like they actually are listening to public feedback. Hopefully it's in a good location and is well put-together.
7. Hmm. Not entirely surprising, I suppose, but I'm not sure SW will like that. Did they give any indication as to how that'd work (closing the T2 FIS)? If they did close the T2 FIS, I wonder if the accompanying gate areas would be remodeled to remove the secure walkway to the stairs down to the FIS area? 
1. I have heard BUF mentioning they want a flight here but those were the only 3 Rhonda mentioned in the presentation.
2. I asked about Delta and Boston and she said no. Surprised me. Didn't ask about JFK.
5. It sounds like they would try to get some vendors to open up in the space in between with no gates open to help generate revenue to pay for it. Just work with them on cheaper rents probably. The only way I personally think that works is if you have brand name chains. If it is food it needs to be something people will walk for not some local St. Louis restaurant or generic name. They also could save some money but just opening the walkway and not redoing the gate areas, just have them blocked off. 

I was told that bump out area between E33 and E34 is not structurally sound. So it cannot be used for anything. I would think the old C/D food court area probably would be a an option.

6. It would probably just be a parking lot not a cool viewing area like was asked by Ruski. Outside the fence away from the terminal somewhere.
7. No, but it sounds like reopening the one in C is the most likely. B won't be used as one.

No details on the Jetblue. Our convo got interrupted during that part and we didn't circle back. Also didn't get a chance to ask about Spirit. She did however say she thinks one of our biggest areas for growth is Sun Country/Frontier and the ULCCs. She thinks there is a demand for those prices that haven't been met and when those two expand it hasn't seemed to have eaten into the legacy/southwest numbers. 

PostJun 16, 2019#5430

Looked at the MAX adjustments. Only down 3 flights a week. Not too bad.

Added extra Fort Lauderadale, less San Deigo, SLC pushed back.

SLC start date was only pushed back to August 31. Daily still starts Oct 2.
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PostJun 16, 2019#5431

I am 99% sure this has already been asked and answered. But I am asking again...

When D is fully reopened, will you be able to check-in in T1 for a Southwest flight and vise-versa?
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PostJun 16, 2019#5432

Perseus767 wrote: I am 99% sure this has already been asked and answered. But I am asking again...

When D is fully reopened, will you be able to check-in in T1 for a Southwest flight and vise-versa?
Unknown. But I would guess no. Only go thru security if you only have carry ons. But not sure.

Another thing mentioned. The baggage expansion in T2 is delayed. Probably not by a lot but the plans/design won’t be ready to start in fall.
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PostJun 17, 2019#5433

jshank83 wrote:I was told that bump out area between E33 and E34 is not structurally sound. So it cannot be used for anything. I would think the old C/D food court area probably would be a an option.

It would probably just be a parking lot not a cool viewing area like was asked by Ruski. Outside the fence away from the terminal somewhere.
A shame - puts an end to those theories, I suppose. I shouldn't really be surprised - from a casual glance, it's never looked like it was intended to be a 'permanent' addition to the terminal, just a tacked-on area to squeeze in a few more gates. Might as well keep using it for storage for the time being in that case.

Ah. Still, it definitely beats not having anything, especially if it means no more harassment from the airport police (as long as you stick to the viewing area and don't do anything stupid). Besides, there's always the possibility for a future 'expansion' or upgrade.
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PostJun 17, 2019#5434

That Av Day announced a few weeks ago happened correct? Are there any photos worth sharing from it?
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PostJun 17, 2019#5435

Perseus767 wrote: That Av Day announced a few weeks ago happened correct? Are there any photos worth sharing from it?
Here is an article on it. Has some pics. I am guessing poet will post some on this photo thread at some point because he was there.

https://airlinegeeks.com/2019/06/16/st- ... -stlavday/
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PostJun 17, 2019#5436

^Just managed to get them in my own planespotting thread. Sorry it took a little while. It's been a busy weekend and I've been a bit sleep deprived. What with needing to get up in the morning and all. ;-)
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PostJun 17, 2019#5437

Viva Aerobus is the airline that will be running to charter routes to Huatulco, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta in 2020. Volaris is currently running them.
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PostJun 18, 2019#5438

^Would be neat if there's a way to lure Volaris to stay in the region anyway. How much of a presence did Frontier have here before they started running Apple Vacation charters? There's probably not enough traffic beyond charter destinations, but . . . it's nice to dream.
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PostJun 18, 2019#5439

^ Volaris would be interesting and definitely gain some more Mexican connections that would be business oriented as well but believe the don't fly south into Latin and or South America when I search route maps.   Someone can correct me on that if need be.   

To me a better and more hope full but less likely outcome if you talk south of the border would be Areomexico (also get the Delta code share) and a Delta JFK flight.  Just came back from awesome trip to Peru and used Aeromexico from SFO to Lima via Mexico City
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PostJun 18, 2019#5440

^Oh, sure. That would be better. But it might be easier to entice an airline that's already flying here. They'll have some crews with experience on the route, which might make a small difference. All that said, the traffic probably isn't there. Even with the business traffic potential from the cargo operation, if that ever gets going.
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PostJun 23, 2019#5441

Does anyone have pictures of the state of Concourse B from the Av Day convention? Be nice to see what it looks like.
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PostJun 23, 2019#5442

Perseus767 wrote: Does anyone have pictures of the state of Concourse B from the Av Day convention? Be nice to see what it looks like.
Here you go.
7C22BEF2-CA7E-4D7D-A0E2-B3CDB30074F3.jpeg (2.22MiB)
5A3ED8C1-62BE-4BB9-BAD3-AE0E1A8132D5.jpeg (2.41MiB)
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PostJun 23, 2019#5443

They had most of the lights off when I took my picture, which made it seem darker than it really is. (Though I like the effect.) That said . . . it still has the old black signage, which I like. (To be fair, it's probably new black signage, but it's quite reminiscent of what was there before.)

Honestly, it looks more or less ready to go if there were a need. They'd just have to reconfigure the entries so that it fed in through the C/D checkpoint, which is easily possible (there was a connection late in the game), add jet bridges as required, and change the signs. It felt really good to be in there. Really special. It's a great space with fantastic views of the field.

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PostJun 23, 2019#5444

It makes me sad that this, as well as the other concourses, were once a busy area. At least it's in good shape. I wonder if in emergencies they could quickly reopen B as they did with D when the tornado hit.

Now I'm drooling for a new look of C29-38 area.
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PostJun 23, 2019#5445

Perseus767 wrote: It makes me sad that this, as well as the other concourses, were once a busy area. At least it's in good shape. I wonder if in emergencies they could quickly reopen B as they did with D when the tornado hit.

Now I'm drooling for a new look of C29-38 area.
They only did 29 and 30. The rest is still mothballed. They also are only going to open up doors to 29 and 30 when needed, they will still be closed for now. 

PostJun 23, 2019#5446

March Load factors for STL/BLV

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing
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PostJun 24, 2019#5447

As a follow-up to the recent bond refinancing package dispute for STL, here's a RFT article  than gives some backdrop about the disagreement between Darlene Green and Lyda Krewson/Louis Reed.

Article Link
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PostJun 24, 2019#5448

jshank83 wrote:They only did 29 and 30. The rest is still mothballed.
I wonder how they are going to build the separation wall between C30/C31+ given that area of C is two floors. Will it just be one big ugly wall?
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PostJun 24, 2019#5449

Perseus767 wrote:
jshank83 wrote:They only did 29 and 30. The rest is still mothballed.
I wonder how they are going to build the separation wall between C30/C31+ given that area of C is two floors. Will it just be one big ugly wall?
I am guessing it’s one big wall. I think someone posted somewhere the back side of it a few months back.
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PostJun 26, 2019#5450

AA final S80 revenue service will be 09/04/19:

http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/20 ... fault.aspx 

Final flight DFW-ORD AA 80. (For those interested the usual AA 80 late night DFW-LHR will operate as AA 82) 

The type has not been scheduled into O'Hare for about a year now (they no longer stock parts, provision tail engine covers for catering trucks, other ground service equipment, etc).  A decade ago this was the backbone of AA's domestic mainline operation and has been gradually phased out across the AA system beginning in March 2005 at the MIA hub and then were progressively withdrawn from line stations beginning in 2009 as fleet replacement with 737-800 accelerated.

Would have been nice if they did a stop at STL to honor the local history for AA, TW, OZ and McDonell Douglas. Particularly since still to this day so much of the S80 fleet's maintenance and overhaul has been done by STL aircraft maintenance who are intimately familiar with the type given their vast experience with Ozark, TWA, and AA (who operated a high watermark of nearly 400 active frames in Summer 2001 immediately following TWA acquisition).  

For anyone interested 737-8 C check work moved from ORD to STL last year so this won’t have any imminent changes to staffing. STL is a class 1 maintenance station for AA meaning it operates 24/7 and also has stores.  Longer term, given the impasse in joint contract negotiations I am not sure the company will see the need to have an outsized aircraft maintenance operation in STL that is no longer commensurate with flight activity. That said there is a shortage of AMTs (aircraft maintenance technicians) holding A&P (airframe and power-plant) licenses and AA probably would not want to effectively push some of the best mechanics into early retirement.
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