KJP, you're right-I didn't mention the airfield upgrades.  As "superficial" as it may be, I was talking about the terminal and concourses themselves.  Safety comes first, but there has been little vision/motivation up until now-hopefully.  Let's not sugarcoat it-I don't care about BOS,PHL, MIA or any other airport that's "just as bad as CLE" either.  Our terminal and concourses need major help.

KJP, you're right-I didn't mention the airfield upgrades.  As "superficial" as it may be, I was talking about the terminal and concourses themselves.  Safety comes first, but there has been little vision/motivation up until now-hopefully.  Let's not sugarcoat it-I don't care about BOS,PHL, MIA or any other airport that's "just as bad as CLE" either.  Our terminal and concourses need major help.

 

You're right to a degree.  They are functional, especially if connecting.  A long layover and you see the disparity of CLE and any airport with new terminals or that's had a total overhaul.

 

But even if you don't care, CLE is NOT the worst airport terminal out there - by far.  I feel confident that Rick Smith is working to improve the airport on all levels.

 

Until the IX center is gone, I doubt anything will be done to physically improve the current situation.  I just see lots of band aids. 

 

Continental will build a small PC club on the D Concouse and renovate its C concourse to handle more international flights.  There is suppose to be shuffling on A & B and some cosmetic changes to attract (rumored) JetBlue and Virgin America.

I wouldn't call the airfield upgrades superficial either. If anything, improving the appearance of the terminal is superficial because it doesn't address the airport's capacity to handle more aircraft. That's especially true with relocating part of NASA for $118 million, putting Abrams creek in a $54 million culvert, and construction of dual runways permitting simultaneous take-offs/landings. It's also created the ability to accommodate larger planes for international flights with longer runways and addressing safety issues. The sum total of those and other airfield improvements since the 1990s cost about a half-billion dollars.

 

The traveling public doesn't appreciate these huge investments because they either don't see them or don't appreciate their full scope by looking out a plane's tiny window. But when you see planes from London and Paris, and possibly other international cities, landing at Hopkins amid a number of on-time, affordable flights permanently relocated from Newark to avoid the congestion and costs there, the true value of those airfield improvements should become more apparent to the public.

I wouldn't call the airfield upgrades superficial either. If anything, improving the appearance of the terminal is superficial because it doesn't address the airport's capacity to handle more flights (especially with relocating part of NASA for $118 million, putting Abrams creek in a $54 million, culvert and construction of dual runways permitting simultaneous take-offs/landings), ability to accommodate larger planes for international flights with longer runways and addressing safety issues that the airfield improvements, costing a total of about a half-billion dollars since the 1990s, addressed.

 

The traveling public doesn't appreciate these huge investments because they either don't see them or don't appreciate their full scope by looking out a plane's tiny window. But when you see planes from London and Paris, and possibly other international cities, landing at Hopkins amid a number of flights permanently relocated from Newark to avoid the congestion and costs there, the true value of those airfield improvements should become more apparent to the public.

 

Well Continental released their earnings and on their call they stated that Newark and Houston were "flat" in terms of passengers.

 

I'm paraphrasing, from memory.  "Cleveland has been underdeveloped and with some of the recent capacity decreases by competitors in nearby hubs we have the opportunity to begin to increase the size of the Cleveland market.

 

Beefing up longer haul domestic service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, portland, salt lake, Omaha, Phoenix and improved/introduce new international service to gatwick, year round; the already announced Paris, and soon Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hawaii."

MTS,  did your post get cut off?

Well Continental released their earnings and on their call they stated that Newark and Houston were "flat" in terms of passengers.

 

I'm paraphrasing, from memory.  "Cleveland has been underdeveloped and with some of the recent capacity decreases by competitors in nearby hubs we have the opportunity to begin to increase the size of the Cleveland market.

 

Beefing up longer haul domestic service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, portland, salt lake, Omaha, Phoenix and improved/introduce new international service to gatwick, year round; the already announced Paris, and soon Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hawaii."

 

Is that stuff posted anywhere on a Continental site, such as part of an investor-disclosure statement? Not doubting you, but I can't quote a "My Two Sense" in a news column. It's great news!

Here's one part KJP:

 

Domestic Performance on a hub by hub basis 

Continental’s second quarter 2007 consolidated domestic capacity at its New York Liberty hub increased 4.2% year-over-year (“yoy”) while traffic increased 5.8% resulting in a load factor gain of 1.3 pts.  Transcon capacity, which is a subset of New York Liberty capacity, was up 7.5% yoy in the second quarter while traffic was up 7.4%, resulting in a load factor decline of 0.1 pts. 

 

Continental’s second quarter 2007 consolidated domestic capacity at its Houston hub was up 1.0%, with traffic up 0.8%, resulting in a load factor decline of 0.2 pts, while consolidated domestic capacity at its Cleveland hub was up 11.2% yoy with traffic up 9.4%, resulting in a load factor decline of 1.4 pts.

 

 

Found here on Continental's site:

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/company/investor/presentations.aspx?SID=54C704B4D4244C8CAC66626057A6EF63

It was on the call and was in and out of it.  Also, my "inside" source has told me the same information on several accounts which i've posted here.

I'm paraphrasing, from memory.  "Cleveland has been underdeveloped and with some of the recent capacity decreases by competitors in nearby hubs we have the opportunity to begin to increase the size of the Cleveland market.

 

MTS, you were almost dead-on.  Good memory!  KJP, to get the exact quote and the speaker's name, listen to the "Capacity & Revenue Results" section of the Q2 Earnings Call.  You can find the link for that section of the call using my link from above.

Thanks. I'll try it at home because I think our computers/T1 line here at work are powered by a Habitrail wheel.

 

Do they mention "Beefing up longer haul domestic service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, portland, salt lake, Omaha, Phoenix and improved/introduce new international service to gatwick, year round; the already announced Paris, and soon Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hawaii" ??

Thanks. I'll try it at home because I think our computers/T1 line here at work are powered by a Habitrail wheel.

 

Do they mention "Beefing up longer haul domestic service to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego, portland, salt lake, Omaha, Phoenix and improved/introduce new international service to gatwick, year round; the already announced Paris, and soon Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hawaii" ??

 

Honestly I think that was the side talk inbetween official reporting, but I could be wrong. I do know they mentioned - again side talk - improvements at hopkins.  I have a sneaky suspicion all of this will come out in a separate press release.

The airfield upgrades aren't superficial.  Functional, yes.  Superficial, no.  The point-or w/e you call it-I'm trying to make is the 'status quo' attitude it seems CLE has settled for during the past few decades.  Now the new DTW terminals are probably one of the biggest fibs regarding the impression an airport makes of a city for connecting passengers-or ANY passenger for that matter but what a "gateway"!  I just don't understand why anything beyond new carpet and paint is such an outlandish thing for CLE to undertake or god, even envision. We hear about a new PC and Conc. D connection.  Wow...  Now I'm glad things are happening, I'm just really perplexed that these issues weren't addressed 10-20 years ago.  Our leaders should have envisioned this expansion years ago so that when Continental or any airline wanted to expand, they wouldn't have to wait 2 more years b/c our customs facility can't handle two int'l 757s at once.  Dulles is a pain in the @ss at 4pm.  Every United/Star Alliance flight arrives at the same time.   

The airfield upgrades aren't superficial.  Functional, yes.  Superficial, no.  The point-or w/e you call it-I'm trying to make is the 'status quo' attitude it seems CLE has settled for during the past few decades.  Now the new DTW terminals are probably one of the biggest fibs regarding the impression an airport makes of a city for connecting passengers-or ANY passenger for that matter but what a "gateway"!  I just don't understand why anything beyond new carpet and paint is such an outlandish thing for CLE to undertake or god, even envision. We hear about a new PC and Conc. D connection.  Wow...  Now I'm glad things are happening, I'm just really perplexed that these issues weren't addressed 10-20 years ago.  Our leaders should have envisioned this expansion years ago so that when Continental or any airline wanted to expand, they wouldn't have to wait 2 more years b/c our customs facility can't handle two int'l 757s at once.  Dulles is a pain in the @ss at 4pm.  Every United/Star Alliance flight arrives at the same time.   

 

CLE. its not all the operator of the airport in question issue.

 

The airline industry was a different beast 10-20, even 5 years ago.

 

An operating airline has to make an investment also and many haven't been in that position.

I think it was also mentioned earlier that Ricky Smith was going to try to get more retail and restaurants in the Terminals, once the contract with the folks that currently run the restaurants expires.

From Crain's today:

 

Fly right       

Blog entry: July 24, 2007, 11:41 am    |    Author: JEFF STACKLIN

 

Northeast Ohioans who are fans of the Flaming Lips and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame can rejoice: Continental Airlines will add a direct flight between Cleveland Hopkins International and Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport beginning Sept. 30.

 

More at:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20070724/BLOG01/70724007

one regional jet flight. yawn.

 

I know its added revenue but these ONE RT flights are horrible.

 

there should be atleast two round trips for every new domestic regional jet flight.

I don't know how many of you frequent airliners.net but they've said we have 2 daily n/s btw. CLE and Oklahoma City and Ottawa, Canada.  If you try to book a flight on Continental's website anytime after 10/1/07, you'll have 2 n/s options.  Baby steps at first I guess...Definitely beats losing service!

well i guess saturday is 1 flight for OKC but YOWis still 2.

that is service beginning Oct. 1st 2007.  Sorry for 3 posts :-)

I don't know how many of you frequent airliners.net ....

 

You mean you  have time to read anything else but urbanohio?   :wink:  :laugh:

I tried reading it but it pains me - then I hear airliners.net is all gossip, nothing substantial.  

 

cle2032, you are aware you can edit/modify a post instead of posting again.

the good thing is that this could be the start of additional feeder flights for international and connecting services, part of the "right sizing".  nothing huge, but 4 additional flights into and out of CLE almost every day, so the potential to move 400 people.

 

i'd rather see some more mainline service added, but if we can get some more non-stops until the 737-9s start arriving, it is a start.

I tried reading it but it pains me - then I hear airliners.net is all gossip, nothing substantial.  

 

the good thing about the CLE focused threads is that there are a number of posters on a.net that work at hopkins for the city or the airlines, so it can be a good perspective.  however, those posters are generally pro-cleveland, and haven't been that accurate with their predictions, even though they do a good job reporting developments that are actually happening (ie increased service to OKC).

Someone told me the 737-9 would go be put on the (EWR) transcon and Cleveland west coast routes.  I heard that on the conference call or either the guy at hopkins told me.  I expect some 735s to be moved to Cleveland on  heavy business routes.  But frequent RJ services to some close destinations I don't mind.  Its paying a "Y" or "A" fare to those destinations with no FC service.

 

Oh well at least we have another Canadian destination.  Ottawa meet Cleveland+

No MTS, I really don't have time to read UO and other things.  Esp. since I've been in my new apt for 3 weeks and haven't had a chance to get wireless, I should prob have less time since I'm doing this while at work!  :lol: But then again, aren't we all at work?!

Oh well...

 

 

Also from cnn:

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/LATU01525072007-1.htm

 

Continental Airlines Announces New Service to Ottawa from Cleveland

 

Complements existing service to Ottawa from New York

July 25, 2007: 10:32 AM EST

 

CLEVELAND, July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines , today announced new nonstop service between the airline's Cleveland hub (CLE) and Ottawa International Airport (YOW) beginning Sept. 30.

 

This will be the fourth Canadian city and the seventh international city served by Continental from Cleveland.

 

The twice-daily service, operated with 37-seat Embraer 135 regional jet

aircraft, will provide connections via Continental's Cleveland hub, which

offers 240 daily departures to 80 destinations.  The weekday schedule for the

new flights is as follows:

 

       Cleveland to Ottawa                Ottawa to Cleveland

       Departure  Arrival                 Departure   Arrival

       3:25 p.m.  4:59 p.m.               6:30 a.m.   8:15 a.m.

       7:30 p.m.  9:04 p.m.               5:35 p.m.   7:22 p.m.

 

    Weekend timings vary slightly.

 

"The new direct flight to Cleveland links two strong markets. It also means more options, better frequency and even greater opportunities for connections between Ottawa and the mid-western and western U.S.," said Paul Benoit, Ottawa International Airport Authority President and CEO. "We look forward to working with Continental to make this route a success."

 

Continental partner ExpressJet Airlines will operate the flights as Continental Express.

 

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 3,100 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 138 international destinations. More than 400 additional points are served via SkyTeam alliance airlines. With more than 45,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 67 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture.

 

For the fourth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2007 list of World's Most Admired Companies. Continental was also named the No. 1 airline on the publication's 2007 America's Most Admired airline industry list. Additionally, Continental again won major awards at the OAG Airline of the Year Awards including "Best Airline Based in North America" for the fourth year in a row, and "Best Executive/Business Class" for the fifth consecutive year. For more company information, visit continental.com.

 

"The new direct flight to Cleveland links two strong markets. It also means more options, better frequency and even greater opportunities for connections between Ottawa and the mid-western and western U.S.," said Paul Benoit, Ottawa International Airport Authority President and CEO. "We look forward to working with Continental to make this route a success."

 

Murray Hill this was posted in the hopkins expansion thread as well, however, this give a bit more information at least there are two round trips.

 

Also, FreqFlyer and KJP note the reference to access to the West Coast.  As I mentioned before my "source" informed me, we should be seeing more service to the west coast.  Worded press releases like this only confirm changes are to come, even if Contenintal hasn't made an official announcement.

 

Hell, I thought for sure they would put an RJ-145 on the route not a damn 135...ugh

 

One thing I notice, after years of saying CLE was a mediocore hub, Continental is using a lot of positive words in their advertising/marketing of Cleveland hub lately.  Hell if Continental's capacity at CLE went up 11+ percent, its a good thing for the region as a whole and they are going to make the most of it.

 

Now to you fyne hicks on Smith St - Announce CLE-AMS, CLE-BER, CLE-TLV & CLE-HNL already!!

Wow, what a coincidence.  I was just speaking with a buddy a couple of hours ago about a trip he took to a cottage in Canada last week and he had to fly into Ottawa.  We were lamenting and both basically surprised that there was no direct flight from Cleveland (he had to fly to Detroit to catch a plane to Ottawa) to Ottawa even though it is so close and it the capital of Canada (while there are direct flights to Toronto and Montreal...made no sense).  Great news.

New airport luggage scanner to cut waits

Posted by Susan Vinella August 02, 2007 14:11PM

Analogic

 

A new 3-D X-ray machine at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport should speed things up for travelers with carry-on luggage.

 

The device, unveiled this week at the Concourse C security checkpoint, allows passengers to send laptop computers and liquids through the machine without taking them out of their bags.

 

Hopkins is the first airport in the country to use the COBRA, or Carry On Baggage Real Time Assessment, technology as part of a federal pilot program. (See a PDF explanation of the system here.)

 

The machines, which officials say cost about $350,000 each, use the same technology as doctors use to take CAT scans. CAT scanners use x-ray equipment to produce three-dimensional images of organs, bones and tissue.

 

Airports, including Hopkins, already use this technology for checked baggage. The difference with the COBRA is that it is much smaller and more versatile to handle carry-on baggage.

THANK GOODNESS!  Hopefully this will allow me to take my own coffee thru security.

 

Now if Continental/TSA can only get those pesky non elites to use the appropriate security lines/lanes, I'll be a happy camper.  Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a fun person, when I've only had two cups of coffee, at 6 AM!!  :x

 

Also, people...take off your outerwear, shoes, belts and take all items out of your pockets (place small electronics inside your bag or a separate bin) AND place your laptop in a separate bin BEFORE you get to the machine - its annoying to watch people fumble around and hold up the line when there are NUMEROUS announcements about security procedures!  Once at the machine PUSH your items thru, don't leave them so I have to do it! and lastly, your precious little tax deduction does need to be sent thru the scanner alone - so keep the brat quiet!!

 

The security rules have not changed in 5+ years - get with the damn program already! 

 

/end rant

Also, people...take off your outerwear, shoes, belts and take all items out of your pockets (place small electronics inside your bag or a separate bin) AND place your laptop in a separate bin BEFORE you get to the machine - its annoying to watch people fumble around and hold up the line when there are NUMEROUS announcements about security procedures!  Once at the machine PUSH your items thru, don't leave them so I have to do it! and lastly, your precious little tax deduction does need to be sent thru the scanner alone - so keep the brat quiet!!

 

The security rules have not changed in 5+ years - get with the damn program already! 

 

/end rant

 

AMEN

Has there been any news regarding the expansion in service for Continental .. especially the hundreds of new jobs it was supposed to bring with it?

JOB CREATION TAX CREDITS APPROVED FOR BUSINESS EXPANSION

Projects Expected to Generate $100 Million in Investments to Ohio's Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 30, 2007

 

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that the Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved Job Creation Tax Credits for twelve companies involved in business location or expansion projects that, if located in Ohio, are expected to contribute more than $100 million to Ohio's economy, create 1,783 positions, and retain 3,700 positions for Ohioans.

 

"Identifying and supporting opportunities for business growth and job creation helps to strengthen our economy and drive the future of Ohio," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. "These 12 projects represent significant prospects for the State with more than $100 million in total investment in our communities and providing jobs in a variety of manufacturing, service, and technology related areas."

---

 

Continental Airlines (Continental), located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded a 70 percent tax credit for a 10 year term to expand operations. The value of the tax credit is estimated at $9,151,481 over the term, and the company would be required to maintain operations at the project site for 20 years.

 

Continental is a major U.S. air carrier engaged in transporting passengers, cargo and mail. The company is the fifth largest air carrier in the nation based on scheduled miles flown by revenue passengers and has over 2,700 daily airline departures, including flights to China, Guam, Japan, Mexico, Central America and Europe. Ohio is in competition with existing Continental hubs in the Cities of Houston, Texas and Newark, New Jersey for this project. Continental proposes to expand its flight operations hub at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport with the construction of new ticketing and passenger reception areas and the renovation of existing ones. The expansion would increase flights and destinations from Cleveland Hopkins and allow for a greater number of passengers to use the airport as a connection point. This $44.5 million project is expected to create 711 jobs and retain 3,223 positions within the first three years of the project's initial operations.

Has there been any news regarding the expansion in service for Continental .. especially the hundreds of new jobs it was supposed to bring with it?

 

the package was approved by the state, but continental still has to accept the conditions and follow through.  it has a 20 year clause in it as well, which is a long time for any airline to commit.

Awesome.

 

Not sure how much news coverage there will be on this, but on my flight in to Cleveland tonight, we were stuck on the runway for 6 hours because of thunderstorms. It was with Continental. Didn't seem as bad as the JetBlue fiasco, though; the staff seemed genuinely concerned with making us as comfortable as possible (considering their apparently limited resources .. the only stock enough cups for one drink cart go-around?? what's that all about??). And I didn't see anyone with their cell phone cams documenting a YouTube expose. So I think they're more or less off the hook.

 

But there's always that ONE little kid that makes thoughts of murder temporarily flash through your head...

6 hours?  Let me guess, were you  at Newark or LGA?

 

Those airports are the worst and their air traffic is why many customers are complaining and asking for continental to route more of there domestic traffic into Cleveland as we rarely have delays. 

 

I must say, the thunderstorm & lightening storms last night in NYC were some of the worst I've ever experienced.  So I didn't expect any planes to take off or land in NY air space.

Yeah, it was from LGA, but the thunderstorms were definitely a huge part of it. I mean, if anything, the delays might have been worsened because of the amount of traffic that goes through LGA, but we would've been grounded anywhere. When we first started taxiing, we were 40th in line to take off. It was a long night, but I'm just really glad we got home safe. Continental handled it pretty well, all things considered.

 

I was really surprised by how empty CLE was when I got in, though. Aren't there late night flights that take off from the airport? Concourse C was completely empty when we got in. Granted, it was 1:30, but still.

Most airports have caps on the number of flight that depart after (IIRC) 10:30 PM.  At that hour and after storm delays there were most likely only arrivals into hopkins.  In addition, cancellations at other hubs/airlines most likely result in flights on non continental carriers not coming into hopkins.

 

Let me know what you think about Hopkins on a normal Friday or a Sunday night between 6:30pm and 9pm or Monday morning between 5 - 9 AM.  Its not pretty!

Let me know what you think about Hopkins on a normal Friday or a Sunday night between 6:30pm and 9pm or Monday morning between 5 - 9 AM.   Its not pretty!

 

You're right. I've flown into CLE during busier hours, and it definitely gets busy. I think it's because I rarely, if ever, have flown into an airport at that time of night. I was just struck by how odd it seemed to me that it was so empty. I wasn't sure if that was normal or not.

 

I also noticed that CLE seems to have undergone somewhat of a paint job recently .. some green, blue, burgundy colors painted here and there. I may be rehashing a previous discussion, but anyone have any thoughts on this? I liked the addition of the color to the concourses, but I thought some of it just looked bad.

Its ugly!  I only use C or (A when on an international flight).  The paint job is a bandaid until a new terminal is built - if built.

Yeah. :( I actually wish they would've just left everything white. I'm kinda of the less-is-more philosophy sometimes.

They should have called in the kids!  Hell, as many queens as they have working at the airport they could have gotten a task force together and the kids could have whipped up something more practical and visually pleasing!

This was posted on airliners.net yesterday:

 

The poster received the following email in response to his query about booking a CLE-CDG trip next year.

 

Dear Sir

 

Thank you for contacting Continental Airlines.

 

We have decided not to operate the nonstop flight to Paris next year.

 

Continental is constantly monitoring our routes and schedules to provide the best service for our passengers. Your comments will be shared with the appropriate departments and our Senior Management.

 

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we can better serve you.

 

Regards,

 

 

Darryl Johnson

Continental Airlines

 

This obviously isn't official news from CAL, just a response from an e-mail inquiry from a traveller looking to book the flight. I had sinking feeling that this flight had serious "bubble" status due to the two-year gap between announcement and actual operation. I just hope this posted letter was BS.

 

Also, for those of ya thinking Cleveland-London Gatwick is year round again, it's not. It'll shut down this winter again.

If this is true, I can't say that I'm shocked...disappointed, yes.  I'm not an expert when it comes to running an airline-although one could question the current CEOs and co.-but it seems absurd that CLE could not support one 757 flight to CDG during peak tourist season!  We, as in Americans (white shoes and all :|) infest the city (and continent for that matter) and you'd think that there has to be 200 +/- people in this country who'd rather go through easy-breezy CLE than any east coast airport. 

 

In the meantime, let's hope this is just a mean joke that some dorky forum person posted  :wink:

 

If it isn't, let's thank the prior administrations who let CLE bathe in mediocracy for all of these decades.  There are so many wonderful things about the city/region, however, the status quo attitudes put a real damper on our jewels.

I hope Continental is listening:

 

Hopkins, Akron-Canton airports buck delay trends

Posted by Michael Sangiacomo August 08, 2007 13:17PM

Categories: Breaking News

In the worst summer yet for airline delays, Northeast Ohio's airports have held the line -- so far.

 

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that the flights on the nation's top 20 airports were delayed more often in May and June this year than the same period last year.

 

Nationally, 31.9 percent of all flights were delayed in June, compared to 27.2 percent in June, 2006. In May, 22.1 percent of the nation's flights were delayed compared with 21.7 percent last May. They also reported more complaints filed by passengers to airlines than ever.

 

The delays, often caused by weather and an air traffic system bursting at the seams with flights. Airplane capacity is up nationally as well, so delayed travelers are finding that getting on another flight is difficult since airlines across the board are flying close to full.

 

However, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron-Canton Airport - neither of which is among the top 20 airports - have maintained their on-time records and in some cases improved them.

 

At Hopkins, the percentage of delayed flights was the virtually the same in June of 2006 and June 2007: about 21 percent. In May, Hopkins fared better than last year, showing delayed flights at 13 percent in May, down from 15 percent in May, 2006.

 

At Akron-Canton, the story was similar. In June, 21 percent of the flights were delayed while in June of 2006, the number was close to 20 percent. Like Hopkins, Akron-Canton did better in May with only 10 percent of the flights delayed this year compared with 17 percent in May, 2006.

 

Figures have yet to be released for July. Aviation officials believe that delay numbers will increase when July and August numbers are tabulated.

 

I hope Continental is listening:

 

Don't you mean the FAA?

No, I meant Continental.  With the continued discussion of CLE becoming more of a reliever for the atroicious service at EWR, I think we need everything in our arsenal to fight for this service.  Continental likes to advertise (or at least used to) that they have the most on-time arrivals in the industry, and so it only makes since that expanded service at CLE would bolster this reputation.  I know there are equipment issues that may be delaying an expansion in Hopkins (delivery of 739 and 787, etc.) but this is the type of news that can only encourage CO to make a move on CLE. 

 

Speaking of the possible cancellation of the planned CLE-CDG service, another forumer on Airliners.net got this response for CO's PR department, which explains why the flight hasn't yet appeared online.  Let's hope that the PR guy knows more about what's going on than the reservation agent:

 

Quote:

We plan to start nonstop Cleveland to Paris in 2008. The service will be loaded into computer systems this fall. Details as to flight times and numbers will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

 

[Name]

Public Relations

Continental Airlines

[Phone Number]

That I understand, but it equally an ATC/FAA issue.

 

Airports from Boston to Charlotte are having problems with delays.

 

I agree, this is a selling point, but fault not only lie at Continentals door, which I'm sure you understand.

 

In regard to the Paris Flight, my insider would have told me and not one media outlet has picked up the story.  I would think with the funds the city & state are providing to Continental and Hopkins we're in good shape.

Where was this article published? PD/Cleveland.com?

Just wondering.

 

This would have more weight (IMO) if it came from AP as opposed to something local.

Not a gripe, just my opinion.

Not sure where the article is from but more importantly the numbers are from U.S. Bureau of Transportation.

Never mind - found it.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/08/hopkins_akroncanton_airports_b.html