United — Dropping Regionals in Favor of Mainlines, May Lose Two Hubs

Very bad news for Dulles if this becomes reality.

I disagree that dropping regionals entirely is a great idea. Did you read the latest Delta book? Some of this strategy is looking a little too familiar.
 
Avgirl said:
Very bad news for Dulles if this becomes reality.

I disagree that dropping regionals entirely is a great idea. Did you read the latest Delta book? Some of this strategy is looking a little too familiar.
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It's not so much dropping regionals as it is dropping cities that can't sustain mainline service. The largest 37 airports in the US account for something like 96% of the passenger traffic in this country. Trying to force service into communities too big for EAS, but too small for a daily mad dog or guppy just no longer makes economic sense - particularly with auto gas prices so low, and the consumer deterrents to driving 2-3 hours to a hub disappearing with them.
 
It will be interesting to see what regionals will still be around and what the industry will look like come 2019. Wondering if AA will follow suit or stick with their plan of strengthening the wholly owned's.
 
Thing that kills me is United used to own the west, LAX, SFO, SEA were all huge for United. LAX I should one of the largest O&D markets in the world, just doesn't make sense they just gave up after the merger. I wish they'd compete.
 
jtrain609 said:
United has huge hubs in SFO and EWR. Why keep hubs right next door in LAX and IAD, respectively?

If you didn't see this coming, you haven't been paying attention.
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The only thing I could see is can they realistically add more flights to SFO and EWR and remain functional?

To me this really just sounds like the author is spitballing their own ideas based off United saying "we need to do stuff."
 
Screaming_Emu said:
The only thing I could see is can they realistically add more flights to SFO and EWR and remain functional?

To me this really just sounds like the author is spitballing their own ideas based off United saying "we need to do stuff."
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Sure, ditch regionals, reduce frequency and up-gauge current routes that can be served by two hubs instead of four. Even with slots controls it's an easy play once they get the additional 737-700's in place, and that's not even going to be an issue as EWR drops slot controlling.
 
Avgirl said:
Very bad news for Dulles if this becomes reality.

I disagree that dropping regionals entirely is a great idea. Did you read the latest Delta book? Some of this strategy is looking a little too familiar.
Click to expand...

You seem to keep very well informed on...well, everything. Impressive for a pilot's girlfriend.
 
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