Tallahassee Regional Airport

[Lexy]

^In order for Midwest to serve Tally, they would have te redo a large portion of their routes because they don't serve small markets that far south yet with mainline. If they did something like that, it would most likely start on Midwest Connect regional jets. That's the big kicker there. Plus, all it would do is get Tally fliers to their hub in Milwaukee or Kansas City to connect to predominatly midwestern cities. Unless there is a market for that type, it is doubtful it would happen. But you bring up a good point. Pensacola will do well due to the pathetic airport in Mobile and their proximity to Gulf Shores, etc.

Of note: Midwest Airways doesn't do PtoP (point to point) flights. They have hubs in Kansas City and Milwaukee with service on MD-80's and Midwest Connect regional service on a variety of smaller regional a/c's.

Personally, they need to unlock the strangle hold that Delta has on the market and diversify their offereings to the Tally PAX. Frankly, I would atleast talk with Southwest or JetBlue and see what they offer as far as requirments for a market that size. Having Tally on Southwest would create some interesting routings in the deep south, but I am not a routing enginneer so I don't know how they would do something like that. The big thing is the 60-70% aircarft load factors threeshold that airlines need on flights to justify their service. If Tally can fill a Southwest 737-300 atleast 60-70% on a flight to Baltimore, then there is a possiblity for a flight like that where you can then connect across the SWA network. Same can be said for their Focus Cities in Chicago, Nashville, Phoenix, etc. Bottom line is don't wait on a legacy carrier to beef its service up. Because if you do, you'll be waiting forever. LOL!!

There are bigger markets that Midwest serve that are only RJ's as opposed to mainlines, so any service there is a safe bet to start off as a RJ service. But again, Midwest Connect doesn't service markets that far south from either hub.

[poonther]

blueheronNC, we've been screaming about the poor quality of TLH's website in this thread for months, so we totally agree w/you on that point. TJ didn't you send a letter or email over to the airport authority about the "hidden" website? If so, did they ever reply to you?

Yeah P'cola has really picked up and I think landing AirTran helped them. In that area AT was first at Mobile, then left for Ft. Walton and now has moved to P'cola. I believe that was a good move since P'cola is in the middle of that emerging consolidating metro area. Within an hour's drive of downtown P'cola there are well over a million people and two very fast growing counties: Baldwin, AL and Santa Rosa, FL. Compared w/Tally where w/in an hour's drive we are lucky to have half that number of people (.5 million.) P'cola does have two competing airports also w/in that hour's drive, Mobile and FWB, but landing AirTran I believe propelled them to the dominate airport of that Gulf Coast region.

I'd be happy in Tally w/very few point to point service in exchange for a discount carrier that would take us to their hub then the rest of the USA at a reasonable price...and no not Delta's idea of reasonable.

[Lexy]

blueheronNC, we've been screaming about the poor quality of TLH's website in this thread for months, so we totally agree w/you on that point. TJ didn't you send a letter or email over to the airport authority about the "hidden" website? If so, did they ever reply to you?

Yeah P'cola has really picked up and I think landing AirTran helped them. In that area AT was first at Mobile, then left for Ft. Walton and now has moved to P'cola. I believe that was a good move since P'cola is in the middle of that emerging consolidating metro area. Within an hour's drive of downtown P'cola there are well over a million people and two very fast growing counties: Baldwin, AL and Santa Rosa, FL. Compared w/Tally where w/in an hour's drive we are lucky to have half that number of people (.5 million.) P'cola does have two competing airports also w/in that hour's drive, Mobile and FWB, but landing AirTran I believe propelled them to the dominate airport of that Gulf Coast region.

I'd be happy in Tally w/very few point to point service in exchange for a discount carrier that would take us to their hub then the rest of the USA at a reasonable price...and no not Delta's idea of reasonable.

LOL! I feel ya man. AirTran would still, IMO, be a good fit there even if they had lesser frequencies than they originally had. Would you agree?

[blueheronNC]

AirTran has a lot of itself to blame for its lack of success in TLH. Too early in the game, they went all CRJ/Regional jet on our behinds, a strategy that universally failed miserably for them across their entire route network. Why would we fly a regional jet at inconvenient times when Delta was countering with more or less a flight every hour or two on 737-800s outfitted for NE shuttle (leather seats, 35" pitch)? No way. It's reasonable enough to expect us to support a mainline product, but once it got to supporting a RJ product in the hopes that one day they would reupgrade to mainline...well, the chain of causation just got too oblique to expect travelers to comply.

If AirTran wanted to compete with the big boys, it had to at least offer a product attractive enough for flyers to substitute away from the original (Delta). They only did for a while and then gave up the game for no apparent reason. After all, Savannah/Hilton Head wasn't exactly a bright light in AirTran's route network (I remember at the time they had around a 55% load factor on two or three flights a day to Atlanta), and AirTran is still holding strong in that market. Are they subsidized there? I don't think they are. The difference is that the product there never underwent a dilution before it had developed cachet amongst flyers.

How do you fly a discount airline into Tallahassee and cede the profitability of business class seats by switching to RJs? It made no sense.

[BHCav]

This thread is pretty funny. The rest of the town isn't run well, so why is it a surprise that the airport isn't either?

[Florida]

I don't agree that the rest of town isn't run well. What do you mean by this?

[Lexy]

A After all, Savannah/Hilton Head wasn't exactly a bright light in AirTran's route network (I remember at the time they had around a 55% load factor on two or three flights a day to Atlanta), and AirTran is still holding strong in that market. Are they subsidized there? I don't think they are. The difference is that the product there never underwent a dilution before it had developed cachet amongst flyers.

I think Savannah still has a decent airport with some connections to the Carribean and that may be the reason they (Airtran) are still there. At one point, Airtran and Delta had some agreements in place to carry overflow PAX between certain destinations. That may be another reason for their placement in that market. If it is, that agreement has been terminated with Delta and the routes, if they don't make money, will be gone. Still, it is a bit odd that they work well there, but not in Tally.

[poonther]

Here's a link to Savannah Airport. It shows who flies there and where they fly. They have service to several cities we do not and have a passenger count not quite double ours. That could possibly have to do w/their being a tourist destination along w/Hilton Head. AirTran gives them 3 flights a day to ATL. AirTran moved their reservations center I believe (I know it was some big part of their customer service dept.) to Savannah. This connection maybe why they were/are willing to "hang on" and support Savannah.

blueheronNC our household was a frequent user of AirTran when the switch of plane types happened that you spoke of above. We were scratching our heads at that move going "what?" Also the flight times were awful and to get to MIA you had to stop in TPA..that stunk. But still we supported them to the end and were sad to see them go.

And YES we'd be HAPPY to see them return to TLH!

[Lexy]

Here's a link to Savannah Airport. It shows who flies there and where they fly. They have service to several cities we do not and have a passenger count not quite double ours. That could possibly have to do w/their being a tourist destination along w/Hilton Head. AirTran gives them 3 flights a day to ATL. AirTran moved their reservations center I believe (I know it was some big part of their customer service dept.) to Savannah. This connection maybe why they were/are willing to "hang on" and support Savannah.

blueheronNC our household was a frequent user of AirTran when the switch of plane types happened that you spoke of above. We were scratching our heads at that move going "what?" Also the flight times were awful and to get to MIA you had to stop in TPA..that stunk. But still we supported them to the end and were sad to see them go.

And YES we'd be HAPPY to see them return to TLH!

I realize they may have needed more PAX to make the route profitable, but stopping in TPA is stupid regardless. Either fly the route, or don't. But a short hop over the peninsula to TPA, even though you are going to MIA, is just stupid IMO. But again, I don't plan schedules and routes for a living so take it for what its worth.

[psycuda]

US Airways possible takeover of Delta. I knew this would be bad news for us in Tally the moment I heard it. I completely agree w/this article. It will reduce our flights and possibly raise our fares. While I'm no fan of Delta's, this is not the solution for us or tons of other similar sized airports. I hope it doesn't happen, but the more I read about it, the better the chances seem for it to happen.

This airline is the last people on earth I want buying Delta, since it would directly impact the travelling I do and eliminate the choice I now have when I fly once or twice a year to Upstate NY (Prime US Airways territory).

[Lexy]

This airline is the last people on earth I want buying Delta, since it would directly impact the travelling I do and eliminate the choice I now have when I fly once or twice a year to Upstate NY (Prime US Airways territory).

Well, the impact(s) remain yet to be seen. Personally, if you use Charlotte as your connection point, it's a safe bet you will be affected. If not, you should be fine as most routes that are divested by the merger will be picked up by other airlines (so long as they are profitable routes of course). Time will certainly tell and I have reserved my opinions about this merger for a while until I see more of the details.

[poonther]

So Lexy, is there a time-line for this proposed merger? When will we know if it's the real deal or not? Should we expect other counter-deals and if so when should we look for these? Do you think United will offer a deal? Or Continental? The US Airways offer is the worst one for Tally.

[Lexy]

So Lexy, is there a time-line for this proposed merger? When will we know if it's the real deal or not? Should we expect other counter-deals and if so when should we look for these? Do you think United will offer a deal? Or Continental? The US Airways offer is the worst one for Tally.

There sorta is and there sorta sin't a timeline for it. The main thing is how long it takes the government to weigh in on the deal. That is a better indication as to how this will pan out and how long that will take. But I know somenting has to be done by, I believe, Feb. of next year.

If it falls through, I would certainly expect some counter offer made by another airline for either Delta or someone else like NWA. I think that is fastly becoming the hot topic in the avaition industry. Who's next?

[poonther]

^Thanks Lexy for the detailed info. Please keep us informed on what you hear about this proposed merger. Thanks!

[Lexy]

^Thanks Lexy for the detailed info. Please keep us informed on what you hear about this proposed merger. Thanks!

Not a problem. I will ceratinly keep you guys posted on the deal.

[BHCav]

Dale Mabry Airfield

1937

1949

1960

1973 (12 years after abandonment)

1999

This plaque is wrong, as the airfield opened in 1929 not 1940.

Originally 530 acres, the airfield grew to 1,720 acres & 133 buildings during the course of the war.

Training activity peaked in mid-1944 with base complement averaging 1,300 officers,

3,000 enlisted men & women, and 800 civilian employees.

More than 8,000 pilots trained at Dale Mabry during WW2,

and, tragically, more than a dozen pilots died in training accidents.

A branch Prisoner of War compound at Mabry held 150 POWs who worked on the base.

1936 map:

One of numerous Tallahassee abandoned airfields.

[seminole]

Here's a little information from the Florida Trend magazine concerning the new Panama City airport:

Florida Trend Archives NORTHWEST - NOVEMBER 2006 ISSUE

Northwest - Northwest

By Charlotte Crane

The current Bay County airport has major deficiencies, including a too short runway and hemmed-in urban location. Blueprints for the new airport call for an 8,400- foot primary runway, one-third larger than the current one, and a 100,000-sq.-ft. terminal that

[SkyDave]

Time to SIGN UP and make a difference for our AIRPORT. I am signing up for the community focus group. Who will join me and take the plunge????????????????? You got three choices....... see below

Tallahassee Regional Airport Needs Focus Group Volunteers

January 5

Tallahassee Regional Airport is currently recruiting area residents and airport passengers to participate in one of a series of upcoming focus groups.

"We need participants who live within 100 miles of the airport, regardless of whether they fly, and regardless of what airport they use when they fly," said Kenneth M. Austin, the City's Director of Aviation. "We also would like to hear from those who may live elsewhere but fly into Tallahassee through our airport. It's vitally important for us to have input from the communities and the people we serve."

The airport will conduct focus groups with business travelers, leisure travelers, and the general community. Participants in the general community focus group will be those who may not necessarily fly but who have an interest in the airport as a part of the community. Tentative dates for the groups are:

• General community: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:00 - 8:00pm
  
• Business travelers: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6:00 - 8:00pm
  
• Leisure travelers: Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:00 - 8:00pm
  

Tallahassee Regional will select the focus groups from among all those who express an interest in participating, and will contact those who are selected to provide final details on the location and times. Light snacks will be provided.

To be considered for a focus group, please complete a form, available in the concourse level of the Ivan B. Munroe passenger terminal at the Airport. Forms are also available at Tallahassee City Hall in the Communications Department on the second floor (300 South Adams St.), in the lobby at the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and at the Capital City Chamber of Commerce. Those interested in participating may also call Maryemma Bachelder at 1-800-491-9112 to request a form be e-mailed or faxed to them.

Forms may also be accessed online and completed electronically at Talgov.com. All mailed submissions must be postmarked by January 12, 2007.

Contact

Bill Behenna, Communications Department, 891-8533, or Victoria Maleszewski, Airport Business Services Manager (Acting), 891-7821

<IMG height=1 src="" width=1 border=0>

[poonther]

I've applied for the same group SD.

[SkyDave]

Looks like Delta is trying to do a back door deal with Northwest.....WOW!

What do you all think about this?????

Will Delta, Northwest join forces?

Both airlines aim to emerge from bankruptcy this yearDelta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. are in talks on a possible link-up, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.The newspaper, which cited sources "familiar with the matter", said representatives of the two carriers, which are No. 3 and No. 5 in the United States respectively, have met regularly for weeks discussing a possible link-up after they both emerge from bankruptcy.

The two airlines have been restructuring in bankruptcy since September 2005 and aim to exit this year. A Northwest spokesman declined to comment. Delta officials were not immediately available for comment.

The report came in the wake of news that US Airways Group , which made a hostile bid for Delta in November, has raised its offer to $10.3 billion.

Delta management had rejected the original US Airways bid, but US Airways hopes to persuade the carrier's creditors to have management reconsider.

Delta has filed a plan to exit bankruptcy as a stand-alone company. Northwest has said it plans to file its own reorganization plan by Jan. 16.

[SkyDave]

Frontier Airlines is looking for Airports to expand too based on contacts from the airpiort managers: I see Greenville, S.C. and Huntsville, Al, but where is Tallahassee Airport?????????????

Frontier's Lynx preps for flightsBy Kelly Yamanouchi

Denver Post Staff Writer

Denver Post

Frontier Airlines' new Westminster-based subsidiary, Lynx Aviation Inc. has applied for federal certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Lynx will fly turboprop planes to Rocky Mountain destinations and other small airports. Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc. is providing $40 million of start-up capital to Lynx.

Lynx will fly Bombardier Q400 planes with 74 seats during the summer and 70 seats during the winter when more space is used for skis and other luggage. The application to the DOT was also sent to airport managers around the country who have expressed an interest in Frontier. On the list were airport managers in Aspen; Colorado Springs; Durango; Eagle; Grand Junction; Gunnison; Hayden; Montrose; Amarillo, Tex.; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Bismarck, N.D.; Bloomington, Ill.; Baton Rouge, La.; Burbank, Calif.; Belgrade, Mont.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Cody, Wyo.; Charlotte, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Casper, Wyo.; Duluth, Minn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Fargo, N.D.; Kalispell, Mont.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Grand Forks, N.D.; Great Falls, Mont.; Helena, Mont.; Harlingen, Tex.; Huntsville, Ala.; Wichita, Kans.; Jackson, Wyo.; Long Beach, Calif.; McAllen, Tex.; Minot, N.D.; Madison, Wyo.; Missoula, Mont.; Oakland, Calif.; Ontario, Calif.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Palm Springs, Calif.; Rapid City, S.D.; Rochester, Minn.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Louisville, Ky., Springfield, Mo., Hailey, Idaho; Sioux City, Iowa; Twin Falls, Idaho; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Medford, Ore.; Bellingham, Wash.; Sheridan, Wyo.; Monterey, Calif.; Mesa, Ariz.; Pocatello, Idaho; Greer, S.C.; Logan, Utah; Lansing, Mich.; and Santa Fe, N.M.

[Florida]

Are these Aiport Manager's that have expressed interest or those that were selected by this airline as finalist?

[SkyDave]

TJ, See the statement in red. The "airport managers who have expressed interest in Frontier Airlines". It is obvious that our Airport Leadership is NOT doing what they said they would do.... Aggressively pursue other airlines to give us more choices and lead us away from our dependence on Delta. I know they are working hard to make our airport better, but this is unacceptable. Maybe there is someone who works out at the airport that can alert them to this situation and they can get on the horn and call Frontier and let them know we are interested. This is a low cost carrier!!!

[Florida]

TJ, See the statement in red. The "airport managers who have expressed interest in Frontier Airlines". It is obvious that our Airport Leadership is NOT doing what they said they would do.... Aggressively pursue other airlines to give us more choices and lead us away from our dependence on Delta. I know they are working hard to make our airport better, but this is unacceptable. Maybe there is someone who works out at the airport that can alert them to this situation and they can get on the horn and call Frontier and let them know we are interested. This is a low cost carrier!!!

I'll mail Ken Austin this weekend. He's our Airport Administrator, and a friend.

[poonther]

Here's a story I found interesting about Ft. Lauderdale airport (FLL) and Palm Beach International (PBI.) First, I was rather surprised to see that they both had a decrease in passenger usage in '06 just like TLH. Both airports and areas are growing like gangbusters and both airports, especially now w/the new interchange from I-95 to PBI have terrific ingress/egress from freeways to the airports. So I wondered as I read the story, what would make these two airports show about the same amount of percentage decrease in their usage on their domestic travel side as TLH? Upon reading, I found out it was a similar and familar story as the one playing up here:

FLL & PBI show decrease in passengers due to airlines reducing flights especially Delta.

TLH's percentage decrease from '05 to '06 was about the same as what these two bigger airports reported. Of course they have discount carriers to help them out.

I'm not saying this is TLH's only problem, definitely not, we all too aware of those, but it is interesting to find out other bigger airports are dealing w/one of the same problems as we have and have also lost passengers due to this reduction.