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US aviation failing? We've screwed ourselves
Our airports are terrible, and our airlines find it harder and harder to compete. We've done it to ourselves through shortsightedness, underfunding, and flyer-unfriendly policies. (www.boston.com) Ещё...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
While flying Vancouver to Sydney and return four times we had the following occurances. Pre 9/11 we changed planes in Hawaii with ne immigration check. Post 9/11 we were able to stay on the aircraft in Hawaii while refueling but 3 months later we had to disembark and trudge through customs. Nothing is open at 2300 hrs so I guess it killed some time. On our next trip we had to go through customs on both flights. This customs requirement when the US is not you destination is anal. Finally Air Canada purchased the 777ER thus no refuelling was necessary. We have flown all over the world and have never had to go through customs in a country which was not our destination.
Form follows function. Concerning this subject, thats not a good thing.
LAX is third world. The TSA are perverts and power freaks. The airlines in America treat us like cattle. They nickel and dime us with fees. Yes I agree flying in America sucks. I drive or just don't go I remember when flying was fun now it's drudgery I hate it. Airline CEO's making millions while providing cracker jack service to the public. The only thing that keeps the airlines in America from going completely belly up is a few bad crashes and a few thousand dead people. Unfortunately I believe that is coming next.
Well Orlando has a world class airport!
The Rise and Fall of American Aviation:
#1: Degregulation
In 1978- President Jimmy Carter signed into law to remove government control over fares, routes and market entries. The CAB was phased out, allowing passengers to be exposed to "Market Forces" in the industry. But the FAA maintained their "Air Safety Program". It's a "Hub to Hub" competition. But the Airport Facilities are overused or not even capable of handling the growing "births" of new airlines, A-380's, more runways or more efficient systems for transporting passengers. There is a major conjestion with the Hubs...most, I feel, is a result of the Airlines' attempt to meet the demands of the "Flying Public". The inevitable is a result in delayed flights, mechanicals...you name it! It's saturated!! Forget about "Cabin Service"...!! Just be thankful you got from point "A" to point "B"! Expectations???? Don't even go there. Aviation is not what it was in the 1970's-1980's. I guess one can't complain about what's not going to happen anytime soon...if ever...sorry to say. I miss it! You might want to thank the "Upper Management" and the "Politicians" for this unfortunate situation.
#2: 9/11...I feel...that was really the end of Commercial and General Aviation, as I see it.
#1: Degregulation
In 1978- President Jimmy Carter signed into law to remove government control over fares, routes and market entries. The CAB was phased out, allowing passengers to be exposed to "Market Forces" in the industry. But the FAA maintained their "Air Safety Program". It's a "Hub to Hub" competition. But the Airport Facilities are overused or not even capable of handling the growing "births" of new airlines, A-380's, more runways or more efficient systems for transporting passengers. There is a major conjestion with the Hubs...most, I feel, is a result of the Airlines' attempt to meet the demands of the "Flying Public". The inevitable is a result in delayed flights, mechanicals...you name it! It's saturated!! Forget about "Cabin Service"...!! Just be thankful you got from point "A" to point "B"! Expectations???? Don't even go there. Aviation is not what it was in the 1970's-1980's. I guess one can't complain about what's not going to happen anytime soon...if ever...sorry to say. I miss it! You might want to thank the "Upper Management" and the "Politicians" for this unfortunate situation.
#2: 9/11...I feel...that was really the end of Commercial and General Aviation, as I see it.
Southwest is already the largest carrier at KPIT (including flights by Airtran subsidiary).
There is limited opportunity for foreign airlines or service to destinations abroad, apart from limited leisure travel destinations. In order to support a vibrant mix of international destinations requires a vibrant network of domestic destinations serviced by the airport. KPIT had that when they were US Airways largest hub, but killed that with airport fees that weed way too high.
With limited O&D traffic, KPIT's only chance of drawing an oversize amount of air service, would be to have a compelling schedule of competitive airport fees.
Maybe riding Southwest ascendency as the 4th national US network, and largest domestic carrier, is KPIT's best shot. Enduce Southwest to add ever more flights and destinations, with competitive fees/rebates, and lots of smoke capacity, and great service. Make sure all their flights can get out on time regularly and reliably. Southwest will reward the airport with ever more flights.
With a robust network of destinations, KPIT can approach overseas airlines (particularly unaligned airlines) and get them to plug into KPIT's network of domestic destinations. The more destinations your airport serves, the more airlines and destinations you can attract. With any luck, Southwest would provide codeshare opportunities, and make it even easier to attract international service.
It seems KPIT's best days are behind it. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an ATC position at KPIT. That job already exists, but it moved to KCLT long ago, and won't be coming back any time soon.
But who knows, with some great airport management, KPIT may someday be a great airport again (and justify all that infrusyructire buildout a decade ago).