Starting November 20th, 2008, AirTran Airways will be joining the 6 other airlines serving HIA. AirTran will begin service at HIA with daily, nonstop service to Orlando International Airport (MCO). AirTran will be serving this market with their popular 717-200 aircraft.
AirTran's marketing campaign for the new service kicks off in the next two weeks, and initial advanced bookings for this service are off to a great start! If HIA's market responds well to this new service from AirTran, there could be potential expansion of the MCO nonstops or other destinations added at a later time.
Have you booked your flight today? If so, what category of traveler are you? "Snowbird," "Visiting Mickey," or "Conference Attendee"?
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I hope FL does not get discouraged if it takes a little longer for this service to catch on. It is targeting leisure travelers, rather than business travelers. I am a business traveler and knew about the new EWR and MCO services very soon after they were announced (after all, I'm in MDT twice a week). But more aggressive marketing will be needed to get leisure travelers, and it will probably take longer for the word to catch on.
ReplyDeleteI will say, though, that I am a little concerned about whether leisure travelers care about nonstop service. I think if you asked them, they would say 'yes', but when they're on kayak.com and comparing fares, do they really care if there is a connection? Infrequent travelers look at me like I'm crazy when I complain about being stuck on a CRJ-100 for more than 45 minutes. They don't get it because when they fly 2 times a year they're willing to put up with it. Are they willing to put up with a connection as well?
BUT I bet FL will have the price advantage out of MDT too. I fly very frequently to MCO and it isn't cheap out of MDT. (Unfortunately, FL does not have an agreement with my company, so I cannot fly them. I wonder if this is the case with most other companies?)
Still, very glad to see additional service out of MDT. I hope MDT continues to grow.
I am booked for the inaugural flight with my soon to be wife for our honeymoon. I will have to agree with some of Matt's comments.
ReplyDeleteMarketing- Need More!!! So many in the area are totally unaware of what HIA has to offer. They just go to PHL or BWI without thinking of using MDT. I was surprised how many people didn't know we had DFW service, although that will soon be gone. I'm not sure what is the best way to do it, but there needs to be more.
Non-Stop- This goes I would think 50/50. Older couples and families with small children prefer direct flights. I myself don't care either way. I fly 4-5 times a year out of HIA for leisure, and will not drive an extra 2-3 hours to PHL or BWI just for a direct flight when I can drive 10 minutes, have an hour connection from HIA.
Mainline Aircraft- With FL brings the 717. Bigger aircraft is another complaint I hear about. The CRJ's gotta go, especailly DL. I'd rather go on a Dash-8 than those cramped CRJ's. The handful of mainline that US, UA and NW bring in here go out full, and are a lot nicer to fly in.If FL expands to bring ATL service, you can bet other than frquent flier miles, people are going to opt for the 717/737.
Overall I think this new service will do well if they give it time. HIA is a lovely airport and the flying public needs to support it. Everytime someone goes to PHL or BWI to save a few bucks or for a direct flight, they only hurt HIA from expanding. It's pretty simple, use the airport and create demand, and you will probably see more service.
Thank you both for your comments & your support of HIA!
ReplyDeleteAirTran kicked off their marketing campaign for the new MCO service the last week of September. Look for their spots online and tune into your local radio.
Ticket sales are strong and continue to be purchased for the new service out of MDT. We're excited for the response that the new service is receiving.