( 1 Vote )
Now some people believe the airport is a cesspool and is a waste of our tax dollars, but I beg to differ. In order for the Mahoning Valley to make a comeback, we will need a strong and vibrant airport to take valley travelers to and from every major city in the United States within 1 stop or less. With daily flights to Detroit, Chicago, and/or Washington DC, that may very well be possible.
The bottom line is this: The Mahoning Valley has been a strong supporter of Allegiant Air in what is now their 4th year here at the airport. If the Mahoning Valley supports another airline, whether it be Delta to Detroit, United to Chicago or Washington DC, or Spirit to Ft. Lauderdale, then we can truly make Youngstown a strong alternative to the hour long drives and the hassle of flying from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Akron-Canton.
If you plan on flying to Orlando or Myrtle Beach in the coming months, please consider flying Allegiant Air from Youngstown because I can promise you this:
1. there fares are cheaper than those you can find at CLE, PIT, and CAK;
2. parking rates at YNG are cheaper than what you will find at the other 3; and
3. you will be within 20 minutes of your house when driving home from the airport, an entire hour quicker than CLE (turnpike), PIT (turnpike), and CAK.
I would truly like to commend Daniel Dickten for doing a tremendous job thus far as our new airport director!
| July 28, 2010
Yesterday, the Vindicator highlighted a number of potential airlines and routes that new Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport Director Daniel Dickten is going after to come to the Mahoning Valley. With the area's strong support of Allegiant Air, coupled with the aggressiveness of Daniel Dickten's efforts to increase air service locally, we may very well see more flights flying in and out of Youngstown in the very near future.Now some people believe the airport is a cesspool and is a waste of our tax dollars, but I beg to differ. In order for the Mahoning Valley to make a comeback, we will need a strong and vibrant airport to take valley travelers to and from every major city in the United States within 1 stop or less. With daily flights to Detroit, Chicago, and/or Washington DC, that may very well be possible.
The bottom line is this: The Mahoning Valley has been a strong supporter of Allegiant Air in what is now their 4th year here at the airport. If the Mahoning Valley supports another airline, whether it be Delta to Detroit, United to Chicago or Washington DC, or Spirit to Ft. Lauderdale, then we can truly make Youngstown a strong alternative to the hour long drives and the hassle of flying from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Akron-Canton.
If you plan on flying to Orlando or Myrtle Beach in the coming months, please consider flying Allegiant Air from Youngstown because I can promise you this:
1. there fares are cheaper than those you can find at CLE, PIT, and CAK;
2. parking rates at YNG are cheaper than what you will find at the other 3; and
3. you will be within 20 minutes of your house when driving home from the airport, an entire hour quicker than CLE (turnpike), PIT (turnpike), and CAK.
I would truly like to commend Daniel Dickten for doing a tremendous job thus far as our new airport director!
Write comment (2 Comments)
( 4 Votes )
Also, Dickten announced that April enplanements on Allegiant Air were up to 2,080, up from last year. He said Allegiant Air will not take a break during the fall months this year like they have done the past three years, and will offer service to Orlando year-round for the first time since coming to the airport in 2006. This is great news for the airport.
The hire of Daniel Dickten by the Western Reserve Port Authority appears to be a solid one. He has come in with a plan and is really working hard at bringing in new airlines, as well as an aircraft maintenance provider that he previously had dealt with in his previous job. I stopped over to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport website and noticed an airline survey that Dickten will be able to use in his negotiations. Please take the survey here: Take the Youngstown Business Travel Survey to help improve air service in the region.
Source:
Warren Tribune-Chronicle
Youngstown Business-Journal
| May 20, 2010
New Youngstown Warren Regional Airport Director Daniel Dickten is off to a fast start, announcing at the Western Reserve Port Authority Meeting yesterday that there is a carrier currently serving Cincinnati interested in serving Youngstown, and that he will be meeting with representatives of Trans State (to Chicago), Sprit (to Ft. Lauderdale), and Gulfstream International (to Cleveland) Airlines in June. The airline currently serving Cincinnati wants to fly their Dornier 328 30-seat jets to Detroit four times per week, although they are requesting the FAA to permit daily service to and from Youngstown to Detroit. Once I figure out what carrier this actually is, I will let you know.Also, Dickten announced that April enplanements on Allegiant Air were up to 2,080, up from last year. He said Allegiant Air will not take a break during the fall months this year like they have done the past three years, and will offer service to Orlando year-round for the first time since coming to the airport in 2006. This is great news for the airport.
The hire of Daniel Dickten by the Western Reserve Port Authority appears to be a solid one. He has come in with a plan and is really working hard at bringing in new airlines, as well as an aircraft maintenance provider that he previously had dealt with in his previous job. I stopped over to the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport website and noticed an airline survey that Dickten will be able to use in his negotiations. Please take the survey here: Take the Youngstown Business Travel Survey to help improve air service in the region.
Warren Tribune-Chronicle
Youngstown Business-Journal
( 7 Votes )
One of my main complaints about the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is the terminal. With the exception of the gate/holding area, the rest of the terminal seems to be unchanged from the 1960s and 1970s and is in need of some major repairs. Here are a few pictures (click to enlarge) I took of the terminal when I flew out of there in late July 2009:
As you can see in the top row and in the bottom row, the airport is in dire need of some renovations. It could use some new floors, a better floor-plan, new lighting, a new baggage claim, and perhaps some skylight windows to permeate that part of the terminal. The pictures in the middle are in the gate/holding area and as you can see, it is pretty nice in there, however I have two complains. First off, it is too small. We had a sold out flight and there was not enough seats in there for all 150 passengers to sit on. If this airport is serious about expanding its flight offerings to the Mahoning Valley, this section of the terminal could use some more seats and/or an expansion. Secondly, there are no bathrooms in this secure part of the terminal. What that means you have to leave this area of the terminal, go to the bathroom, and go through security again just to "relieve" yourself. Whoever designed this expanded area did a nice job with the look and feel of it, but it is way too small and is badly in need of some restrooms.
From what I have been able to figure, this expansion took place around 2000-2001 before 9/11, so that is the most logical reason why they did not include restrooms in this part of the terminal. Secondly, the airport was not serviced by large jets back then; we were accustomed to commuter airlines that did not require 150+ seats. However, with the expanded offering of Allegiant Air flights to Myrtle Beach, ironically on the same time of day as the Orlando flights, changes will need to be made in order to service all these passengers. Having one jet-bridge/jet-way made sense in 2000, but not in 2010. The airport should consider an investment in a second jet-bridge/jet-way to adequately service all passengers.
FYI: I am no expert on the airport, so this is just me speaking from first hand experience. If the airport is serious about becoming an airport serviced by a number of airlines, then the changes I mentioned above need addressed badly. Although I was 100% against the stimulus, a project like this would make perfect sense considering the original terminal was constructed through funding from the Works Progress Administration. Whoever becomes the new airport director needs to consider contacting our Congressmen and Senators about getting funding to get this airport fixed up. Like they say, "if you build it, they will come."
| March 05, 2010
I just wanted to apologize for not posting anything in the past week, I really have nothing to talk about. I am waiting to hear something on this reconciliation vote on health care, but until this bill actually passes the House, I do not have much to say. Locally there hasn't been all that much to talk about either, so I decided to do yet another article on the airport until I have some "news" to discuss.One of my main complaints about the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is the terminal. With the exception of the gate/holding area, the rest of the terminal seems to be unchanged from the 1960s and 1970s and is in need of some major repairs. Here are a few pictures (click to enlarge) I took of the terminal when I flew out of there in late July 2009:
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As you can see in the top row and in the bottom row, the airport is in dire need of some renovations. It could use some new floors, a better floor-plan, new lighting, a new baggage claim, and perhaps some skylight windows to permeate that part of the terminal. The pictures in the middle are in the gate/holding area and as you can see, it is pretty nice in there, however I have two complains. First off, it is too small. We had a sold out flight and there was not enough seats in there for all 150 passengers to sit on. If this airport is serious about expanding its flight offerings to the Mahoning Valley, this section of the terminal could use some more seats and/or an expansion. Secondly, there are no bathrooms in this secure part of the terminal. What that means you have to leave this area of the terminal, go to the bathroom, and go through security again just to "relieve" yourself. Whoever designed this expanded area did a nice job with the look and feel of it, but it is way too small and is badly in need of some restrooms.
From what I have been able to figure, this expansion took place around 2000-2001 before 9/11, so that is the most logical reason why they did not include restrooms in this part of the terminal. Secondly, the airport was not serviced by large jets back then; we were accustomed to commuter airlines that did not require 150+ seats. However, with the expanded offering of Allegiant Air flights to Myrtle Beach, ironically on the same time of day as the Orlando flights, changes will need to be made in order to service all these passengers. Having one jet-bridge/jet-way made sense in 2000, but not in 2010. The airport should consider an investment in a second jet-bridge/jet-way to adequately service all passengers.
FYI: I am no expert on the airport, so this is just me speaking from first hand experience. If the airport is serious about becoming an airport serviced by a number of airlines, then the changes I mentioned above need addressed badly. Although I was 100% against the stimulus, a project like this would make perfect sense considering the original terminal was constructed through funding from the Works Progress Administration. Whoever becomes the new airport director needs to consider contacting our Congressmen and Senators about getting funding to get this airport fixed up. Like they say, "if you build it, they will come."
( 4 Votes )
Unlike the service to Orlando, Allegiant Air will have virtually no competition on this route. Akron and Cleveland do not offer nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, while Pittsburgh offers nonstop service three days per week to Myrtle Beach on a charter carrier known as DirectAir, but their fares begin at $129 one way. With the low fares being offered, this route should be not only be a hit with the people of the Mahoning Valley, but also with fliers from Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Pittsburgh. If marketed correctly, I believe this route could be an enormous success for Allegiant and YNG.
In addition to the announcement of service to Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, Allegiant Air's Sales Director John Fenyes hinted that a third destination could be added very soon if the Myrtle Beach route succeeds this summer. Although everyone would like to see flights offered to Las Vegas, the 1800 mile distance may be too far on the MD83 aircraft that Allegiant currently flies.
If I were willing to guess, Allegiant's next move at Youngstown would be to add flights to either Ft. Lauderdale or St. Petersburg, FL, their other two hub/focus cities in Florida. The bottom line is this: The Mahoning Valley needs to continue to support the flights to Orlando and Myrtle Beach so more flights can be added in the near future. It may also be worth noting that one of the reasons Allegiant added Myrtle Beach service because so many people in the Mahoning Valley called their HQ in Las Vegas demanding it. If you would like to see Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, or even Las Vegas offered from Youngstown, consider calling 1–702–505–8888. And remember, you can purchase tickets online at www.AllegiantAir.com.
| February 26, 2010
On Wednesday, Allegiant Air announced that beginning April 22nd, they would be offering nonstop jet service between the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport with fares beginning at $49 one way. For those prices, this is a deal the Mahoning Valley cannot beat.Unlike the service to Orlando, Allegiant Air will have virtually no competition on this route. Akron and Cleveland do not offer nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, while Pittsburgh offers nonstop service three days per week to Myrtle Beach on a charter carrier known as DirectAir, but their fares begin at $129 one way. With the low fares being offered, this route should be not only be a hit with the people of the Mahoning Valley, but also with fliers from Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Pittsburgh. If marketed correctly, I believe this route could be an enormous success for Allegiant and YNG.In addition to the announcement of service to Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, Allegiant Air's Sales Director John Fenyes hinted that a third destination could be added very soon if the Myrtle Beach route succeeds this summer. Although everyone would like to see flights offered to Las Vegas, the 1800 mile distance may be too far on the MD83 aircraft that Allegiant currently flies.
If I were willing to guess, Allegiant's next move at Youngstown would be to add flights to either Ft. Lauderdale or St. Petersburg, FL, their other two hub/focus cities in Florida. The bottom line is this: The Mahoning Valley needs to continue to support the flights to Orlando and Myrtle Beach so more flights can be added in the near future. It may also be worth noting that one of the reasons Allegiant added Myrtle Beach service because so many people in the Mahoning Valley called their HQ in Las Vegas demanding it. If you would like to see Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, or even Las Vegas offered from Youngstown, consider calling 1–702–505–8888. And remember, you can purchase tickets online at www.AllegiantAir.com.
( 3 Votes )
One of my biggest interests along with sports and politics is aviation, which I can thank my older brother Tommy for. I have taken a great interest in the success of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG) because I believe it can be a carbon-copy, on a smaller basis, of the very successful Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK). For those of you who do not know, CAK has become one of the fastest growing airports in America, due to the success of low-cost carriers AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. While those two airlines are household names in the industry, YNG boasts the most profitable airline in the United States right now: Allegiant Air.
Early last August my family flew Allegiant Air from YNG down to Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Although a few of them were a bit skeptical of flying an airline they were not too familiar with, by the time we touched back down in Ohio they all came away impressed with what Allegiant Air had to offer. Not only were the planes nice we flew on, but the convenience of flying out of an airport 20-25 minutes from our house just could not be beat. Our only recommendation to Allegiant Air is this: offer more destinations from YNG to cities such as Las Vegas, Ft. Myer's, or even down into Ft. Lauderdale.
Although the service to Orlando was nice and our plane was packed, not everyone in the Mahoning Valley wants to fly to Orlando each year. There are other destinations in the Sunshine State that would be profitable routes for Allegiant Air too, such as to Southwest Florida where thousands of Valley residents flee to each winter to escape the brutal Ohio winters.
As you can see in the bar graph to the right, Allegiant Air has quietly become a success story at YNG. Since its inception in 2006, traffic has doubled from 13,000 passengers in 2006 to over 26,000 passengers in 2009, a 100% increase over just three years. Despite Youngstown receiving the ranking of the 18th most miserable city in America, let Allegiant Air be a model to other businesses that you can be successful here in the Mahoning Valely. If there are any other airlines, or businesses, out there asking themselves whether it would be profitable to locate in the Mahoning Valley, just look at that chart. If you can come here, offer a quality product at a good price, this area will likely support your business.
In closing, if anyone at Allegiant Air reads this, please consider adding more flights out of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. The people of the Mahoning Valley have bought into the fabulous service you offer this community. There is no doubt in my mind that if you were to offer additional flights/destinations from YNG, this area will support you just as well as we have supported the Orlando service these past three years.
Despite offering just two-flights a week, the prosperity of Allegiant Air at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is quickly becoming one of the "not so talked about" success stories here in the Mahoning Valley.
What say you?
| February 23, 2010
Update: Coincidentally today, Allegiant Air announced they will begin to offer seasonal nonstop jet service between Youngstown and Myrtle Beach beginning on April 22 with fares beginning at $49 one way!One of my biggest interests along with sports and politics is aviation, which I can thank my older brother Tommy for. I have taken a great interest in the success of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG) because I believe it can be a carbon-copy, on a smaller basis, of the very successful Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK). For those of you who do not know, CAK has become one of the fastest growing airports in America, due to the success of low-cost carriers AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines. While those two airlines are household names in the industry, YNG boasts the most profitable airline in the United States right now: Allegiant Air.
Early last August my family flew Allegiant Air from YNG down to Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Although a few of them were a bit skeptical of flying an airline they were not too familiar with, by the time we touched back down in Ohio they all came away impressed with what Allegiant Air had to offer. Not only were the planes nice we flew on, but the convenience of flying out of an airport 20-25 minutes from our house just could not be beat. Our only recommendation to Allegiant Air is this: offer more destinations from YNG to cities such as Las Vegas, Ft. Myer's, or even down into Ft. Lauderdale.
As you can see in the bar graph to the right, Allegiant Air has quietly become a success story at YNG. Since its inception in 2006, traffic has doubled from 13,000 passengers in 2006 to over 26,000 passengers in 2009, a 100% increase over just three years. Despite Youngstown receiving the ranking of the 18th most miserable city in America, let Allegiant Air be a model to other businesses that you can be successful here in the Mahoning Valely. If there are any other airlines, or businesses, out there asking themselves whether it would be profitable to locate in the Mahoning Valley, just look at that chart. If you can come here, offer a quality product at a good price, this area will likely support your business.
In closing, if anyone at Allegiant Air reads this, please consider adding more flights out of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. The people of the Mahoning Valley have bought into the fabulous service you offer this community. There is no doubt in my mind that if you were to offer additional flights/destinations from YNG, this area will support you just as well as we have supported the Orlando service these past three years.
Despite offering just two-flights a week, the prosperity of Allegiant Air at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is quickly becoming one of the "not so talked about" success stories here in the Mahoning Valley.
What say you?
