Who do you love?

The good folks in Richmond, Virginia have innocently dredged up one sticky issue in the world of airport relationships. Business, airport and community leaders have pledged their love to their newest girls- AirTran Airways and JetBlue. Meanwhile, the devoted (albeit overpriced) long-term partners (Aka legacy airlines) are feeling slighted.

Even though passengers numbers at RIC are up 11 percent compared to last year, officials in Richmond are nearly begging travelers to hop on an AirTran or JetBlue flight. They fear that affinity programs have their tight grip on Richmond frequent fliers though. It sounds as though lots more people are taking advantage of the low fares ushered in by the low cost carriers… but in legacy seats. That isn’t really good news for the airport or for AirTran and JetBlue (new girls). With skyrocketing jet fuel prices and stiff competition for the lucrative east coast markets, these girls are having trouble making a profit in Richmond.

In steps a guy nicknamed “Booty” who runs the airport commission to publicly choose who to support and love the most. AirTran and JetBlue win (they are pretty in there new planes with snappy new paint jobs and in-flight entertainment). This community wants to keep fares low and competition strong.

We at CAK haven’t been shy about expressing our love for carriers who share risks and rewards with us, namely AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. These smaller carriers are dirt tough, managed well and focused on profitability. Kinda like us here at our little airport. So I say “go for it Booty!” Your new girlfriends are worth the fight.

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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