Quote:
Originally Posted by ATLonthebrain
The decision by QX to go with the Q400 & CR7 also sealed the fate of quite a few routes which the airline knew would not be able to support a plane twice the size of the one they were using in most markets at the time. That is the sad part in all of this and, sure enough, routes began to be axed with the introduction of the then 70-seat, now 76-seat, Q400.
There is interest in serving intra-state routes from BOI, and with an apprpriately sized aircraft, but the question is whether the interest will result in an announcement of service. If LWS didn't have SEA on each end of the flight, it probably wouldn't exist, plus the fact QX charges pretty solid fares for those who need to fly between here & there.
The growth seen in the middle part of the last decade isn't likely to reoccur anytime soon, but steady growth will add demand for air travel and slowly, airlines will begin to restore capacity. Fuel, though, is going to play a significant role in that decision, too. It isn't just whether the market can support more service, but is it willing to pay the corresponding fares to utilize it and make it profitable.
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Yeah, as someone who has deep family ties to QX, few are more sad to see them deviate away from their roots in the Pacific Northwest than me. Just the nature of the industry nowadays. I'm curious if the airline showing interest is Silver Airways (formerly Gulfstream). While they're not a true Big Sky replacement, they seem to be filling in that niche market that's been left unserved.
Here's a pretty interesting article you might enjoy reading about the major cutbacks we've seen, from the perspective of business leaders in the community.
http://stateimpact.npr.org/idaho/201...t-air-service/