DOT Denies PHL-PEK Extension

[zethya]

The DOT has Denied the request for an additional extension of the March 25, 2010 PHL-PEK start date:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/hom...900006480a035dc
Click: "Show Details"

IMO, this will challenge US to acquire the necessary aircraft within the next 7 months and then either apply for a (bad economy) extension sometime in January/February, or fly the route on the current start date (3/25/2010). If they do not get the planes, they may loose credibility with the DOT, loose the authority altogether and possibly future considerations. I really think this is a serious hand slap by the DOT for not following through on the stated application commitment to acquire the necessary A340 aircraft. Can't wait for Tempe's response.

 

[Dog Wonder]

They didn't really want the route anyway.

 

[nycbusdriver]

The DOT has Denied the request for an additional extension of the March 25, 2010 PHL-PEK start date:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/hom...900006480a035dc
Click: "Show Details"

IMO, this will challenge US to acquire the necessary aircraft within the next 7 months and then either apply for a (bad economy) extension sometime in January/February, or fly the route on the current start date (3/25/2010). If they do not get the planes, they may loose credibility with the DOT, loose the authority altogether and possibly future considerations. I really think this is a serious hand slap by the DOT for not following through on the stated application commitment to acquire the necessary A340 aircraft. Can't wait for Tempe's response.

Tempe will give back the authority to the DOT. USAirways is not going to Peking because that would require some bit of knowledge of how to actually run a global airline. They haven't demonstrated any yet, and I doubt they will acquire those smarts in the next 7 1/2 months.

It was said on this forum when LCC applied for the first extension: USAirways will never serve China. Anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming.

 

[beachboy]

Well who didn't see this coming? Want to play with the big boys Tempe, you put on big boy panties and fly big boy planes. DUH! Everything on the cheap. They should be embarrassed but we all know they are too stupid to show any shame.

 

[wopr21]

The DOT has Denied the request for an additional extension of the March 25, 2010 PHL-PEK start date:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/hom...900006480a035dc
Click: "Show Details"

IMO, this will challenge US to acquire the necessary aircraft within the next 7 months and then either apply for a (bad economy) extension sometime in January/February, or fly the route on the current start date (3/25/2010). If they do not get the planes, they may loose credibility with the DOT, loose the authority altogether and possibly future considerations. I really think this is a serious hand slap by the DOT for not following through on the stated application commitment to acquire the necessary A340 aircraft. Can't wait for Tempe's response.

Easy... Bankruptcy

 

[fudgerunyard]

The DOT should immediately open up the route authority for bidding from other U.S. carriers for 60 days, and provided there aren't any interested parties, they could grant LCC their extension.

 

[HPearlyretiree]

Well who didn't see this coming? Want to play with the big boys Tempe, you put on big boy panties and fly big boy planes. DUH! Everything on the cheap. They should be embarrassed but we all know they are too stupid to show any shame.

And, if they did, and lost money, you'd be the first to whine about it.

Bad timing, it happens, would be a great route if things were different. We got out cheap, be thankful.

 

[Dog Wonder]

Who is we Early Retiree?

 

[HPearlyretiree]

Well you're true to the HP tradition of CHEAP

So, in a recession, you think we should have bought 4 A340's and spares, and training and startup costs for this route? While we were cutting back?

Not cheap.

Prudent.

China routes will come again, other airlines couldn't fulfill their bids.

Like I said, if we bought the planes, incurred the costs and got our asses kicked on the revenues, you all would be crowing and whining all day.

And, yes, I am a part of "we", don't like it? Too bad.

 

[Maark767]

So, in a recession, you think we should have bought 4 A340's and spares, and training and startup costs for this route? While we were cutting back?

Not cheap.

Prudent.

China routes will come again, other airlines couldn't fulfill their bids.

Like I said, if we bought the planes, incurred the costs and got our asses kicked on the revenues, you all would be crowing and whining all day.

And, yes, I am a part of "we", don't like it? Too bad.

AA is starting ORD-PEK 4/7/09 with 777 ,3 cls svc.

 

[nycbusdriver]

other airlines couldn't fulfill their bids.

And those carriers would be which?

 

[PBI2FLL]

OK ARMCHAIR CEOs...if you were in charge of US Airways, would you make the decision to start the flight anyway just for the sake of it, despite the expected heavy losses on this route for 2 years? Why have other airlines such as UA and DL deferred, delayed or cut back on some of their China authority?

 

[jimntx]

Yes, but they already had some China service. The deferred routes were not new service, just additions to existing service. The DOT looks at those differently from new service awarded, but not started.

 

[Dog Wonder]

This is not a matter of deciding not to.

It is a matter of not having the rear to cash that check their mouth wrote.

 

[nycbusdriver]

OK ARMCHAIR CEOs...if you were in charge of US Airways, would you make the decision to start the flight anyway just for the sake of it, despite the expected heavy losses on this route for 2 years? Why have other airlines such as UA and DL deferred, delayed or cut back on some of their China authority?

I would have done my homework in advance, instead of filing for the route with big promises I later found out I could not deliver. I would have checked the availability and price tag of A340s, as well as the operating/training/maintenance costs, before I told the DOT that I would acquire that airplane to operate the route. I would have looked at demand from my own hubs for such flights, and see if I could support the A340 with that demand. And, when the oil price soared and economy sank, I would seek to start on time, but rather than seek delays, I would request a temporary reduction of frequence to once or twice a week. (That would keep the authority alive.) Of course, that would still mean spending money on the airplanes, but on the days they weren't going to China, they could go to Tel Aviv, Rio, etc.

Yes, but they already had some China service. The deferred routes were not new service, just additions to existing service. The DOT looks at those differently from new service awarded, but not started.

Please, don't be introducing facts into the discussion. It is not characteristic of the USAirways forums.