Updates about Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (NWFBIA)

[Andy A]

So an info desk in another county directing people to Sowal events, dining, and lodging = forbidden

Millions in tax dollars to airport in another county = okay?

Doesn't make any sense, does it? But then, these days little in government does.

 

[Will B]

...I was overall impressed. While not huge it is a very large airport for our area and just the idea of flying on a Delta airplane instead of ASA is exciting. ...

You got your wish. One flight out of the 8 daily flights each way has been changed to an MD88 aircraft...142 seats. I followed the bookings for about two weeks and noticed that with the exception of Fridays to PC and Sundays out of PC the aircraft is less than half full which means that if bookings don't increase it will revert back to the ASA aircraft, or they will drop the flight outright. During that same period all the ASA aircraft are 60% ish full, too. That's not economical use of a resource.

Looked at the same period into VPS. During that time, VPS still spanks PC. Admittedly, these booking were made a good while ago. I'll check again in a couple weeks to see if I can get a trend one way or another.

You have to keep in mind that there's no incentive for Delta to offer larger aircraft just because of SW's service. SW is in bed with St. Joe who has agreed to offset all of their losses on flights into and out of PC for the next three years.

 

[Matt J]

You got your wish. One flight out of the 8 daily flights each way has been changed to an MD88 aircraft...142 seats. I followed the bookings for about two weeks and noticed that with the exception of Fridays to PC and Sundays out of PC the aircraft is less than half full which means that if bookings don't increase it will revert back to the ASA aircraft, or they will drop the flight outright. During that same period all the ASA aircraft are 60% ish full, too. That's not economical use of a resource.

Looked at the same period into VPS. During that time, VPS still spanks PC. Admittedly, these booking were made a good while ago. I'll check again in a couple weeks to see if I can get a trend one way or another.

You have to keep in mind that there's no incentive for Delta to offer larger aircraft just because of SW's service. SW is in bed with St. Joe who has agreed to offset all of their losses on flights into and out of PC for the next three years.

No offense, but Delta generally seems to have leadership comprised of lobotomized Amtrak Execs. Instead of loosing a little revenue to see if something works they immediately cancel something and never revisit it. Perhaps they should consider a Thursday through Monday shuttle to and from ATL, I'm no airline genius, but that seems like a very profitable route. What is the bottom line price on the MD88 flight, that could be a factor too.

I think once people discover that ECP is only 30 minutes away and doesn't require a toll charge it's going to garner some support.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this (the new airport) isn't a light switch, but it is a good start.

 

[Will B]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this (the new airport) isn't a light switch, but it is a good start.

I totally agree with you. The MD88 is a Litmus test. If it pans out you'll see more, but they aren't going to throw assets at routes that have never bore more fruit than could be handled by much smaller aircraft. You gotta let the people start booking the flights and go from there...

 

[Kurt]

New NWFBIA website - Northwest Florida | Beaches International Airport

 

[scooterbug44]

Did anyone else find it hilarious that at the opening the politicians were touting the new airport/Southwest as a way to fly without having to go through Atlanta and Delta is flying BIA to ATL 8 times a day? :rofl:

 

[Paula]

You got your wish. One flight out of the 8 daily flights each way has been changed to an MD88 aircraft...142 seats. I followed the bookings for about two weeks and noticed that with the exception of Fridays to PC and Sundays out of PC the aircraft is less than half full which means that if bookings don't increase it will revert back to the ASA aircraft, or they will drop the flight outright. During that same period all the ASA aircraft are 60% ish full, too. That's not economical use of a resource.

Looked at the same period into VPS. During that time, VPS still spanks PC. Admittedly, these booking were made a good while ago. I'll check again in a couple weeks to see if I can get a trend one way or another.

You have to keep in mind that there's no incentive for Delta to offer larger aircraft just because of SW's service. SW is in bed with St. Joe who has agreed to offset all of their losses on flights into and out of PC for the next three years.

People from the midwest, like me, go through Atlanta on their way to SoWal. I've been flying into Fort Walton Beach because they've had some great sales - and that may be what's filling their planes. If flights to the new airport offer good prices (e.g. under $300) then they'll get the business, not only from people going from Atlanta, but people from New England and the Midwest once (and if) more people in those areas discover SoWal. So, I think you're right that the FWB bookings were made a while ago when they had the great sales. I'd rather fly into Panama City if the price is right (it's closer to the east end of 30A). I'm a Delta Frequent Flier, so I sure hope they decide to stay with the new airport as well as Fort Walton Beach.

 

[Matt J]

New NWFBIA website - Northwest Florida | Beaches International Airport

Is it really too much to ask that local agencies use local agencies?

 

[GoodWitch58]

Is it really too much to ask that local agencies use local agencies?

a little research will probably show the Jacksonville connection to a certain large company...

 

[DuneLaker]

a little research will probably show the Jacksonville connection to a certain large company...

Perhaps since headquarters are being moved to Northwest Florida, and companies are being lured to set up business here, these same out of area companies will move here, too. In the meantime, local businesses might consider getting an out-of-town or out-of-state post office address so they can get some respect and bids. Another strategy we locals might try is to shave our heads and don orange toga robes and walk around the airport carrying signs marketing South Walton. I believe I did see a paid advertising sign on one of the walls for a SoWal business (Seaside - Bud n Alley's, who by the way also have a sign at VPS). The Sandestin Hilton had a display for the grand opening, but geez they erroneously had "Destin" as their location instead of their real location in South Walton and Miramar Beach.