I tend to travel a lot in bunches.  When I am in an airport, especially on a layover I am tired, cranky and not in a mood to try new things.  At that point, it I want a commodity item like coffee, give me a starbucks or DD.  If I am traveling to that city, I will definitely scope out local flair.

My point, national chains are good in airports

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport gets biggest renovation in more than a decade

Posted by Tom Feran, The Plain Dealer September 16, 2009 17:40PM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Commercial development is taking off inside Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

 

New businesses arrive almost weekly. The terminal is getting its biggest renovation in more than a decade. Fresh paint and the removal of window obstructions have given a cleaner, brighter look even to areas under reconstruction.

 

When the makeover is finished, sometime next year, the airport's retail and restaurant space will have almost doubled. Revenues are expected to be twice what they were.

 

 

MORE AT CLEVELAND.COM: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/cleveland_hopkins_internationa_3.html

 

 

All sounds good, very resourceful.... but I hope that the follow up in all this will be of quality. Sorry, but that is where I have to offer our city some constructive critique because the simple but noticeable basics often lack. This means simple cleaning, knowledge of their city... and a friendlier attitude amongst airport employees.... (can the puss attitude)  better cleaning of such things like...windows, floors, restrooms, etc...    Not so sure I like lacing the place with more chains though. Dunkin' Donuts? Please! Reminds me of 'indoor sprawl' Those kinds of places are sure hard to find these days! Not to crack on their items, but I think we can do better...it would be nice to get some local Cleveland exclusives in there like Great Lakes...unique things so that visitors are greeted with what defines Cleveland, makes us unique... and not so much the clone zone. Rock and Roll Store.. That's the idea I am talking about. Start recycling too, already....like so many other airports.

 

I could not agree more -- I travel a lot and I find Hopkins to be one of the dirtiest airports around.  And the friendlines?  What friendliness?  In the past 10 years of flying regularly I have met 2 people who work in the retail area who were great.  They worked at the now closed nut counter.  One of them did get a job in the new food court.  Glad for her but too bad she remains the only one so far I have interacted with.

 

It's not so much that CLE is "dirty" or that it lacks the basics but simply the fact that the terminal/concourses are remodled structures from the 1950's and 60's.  Concoure B was built in the mid 1950's along with the terminal/ticketing/baggage claim area.  Concourse A was built in the late 1950's and Concourse C was entered service in 1968 and was pretty much as it is today.  The "banjo" at the far end has been enlarged with more gates.  Yes, the concourses are narrow and not well lit and the supporting facilities lacking but they were built in a different time.  Until a totally new facility is built, it is what it is.  And it's not really that bad either.  It may not be as new as other airports, but it's a breeze to navigate and get to your plane

I don't think a totally new facility needs to be built. That would be wasteful. In the 50's, Cleveland was a larger city by population, so with some additions and upgrades, I think it will be a decent place.

I don't think a totally new facility needs to be built. That would be wasteful. In the 50's, Cleveland was a larger city by population, so with some additions and upgrades, I think it will be a decent place.

 

CLE may have been larger, but the metro area back then was much smaller PLUS a much smaller percentage of the population could afford to fly compared to today.  There's only so much upgrades you can make to a shell that's over 50 years old.  It's also one reason why though CLE is a hub, the hub airline doesn't have more connections out of CLE.  The councourses simply cannot handle large amounts of people at any one time as would happen during a connection bank. 

^ definately. i've had to walk all the way thru the last couple times and overall its not a very pleasant experience. its a real hodge-podge, parts are modern and fresh and there are closed up, narrow sections, smelly carpet, etc. i used to agree it was a very functional place but the interior is slipping, i'm glad to hear about the reno.

 

do you happen to know -- does the airport have plans, renderings and a timetable for all new modern terminal facilities? money issues aside, how far along are they on that vision?

I was thinking this morning as I walked to my flight in the D concourse--what if Continental had just worked with the city to revamp the A concourse, which at the time had little action going on there (and is still fairly sleepy).

 

I think the retail at Hopkins would have fared better if people making connections at our "hub" had to walk through it to get to another concourse?  Seems to me that your casual traveler of the sort who shops on connections would not be adventurous enough to seek out retail.

Just add on to the place...  I wouldn't get hopes up for a new place anytime soon, and if one is planned, then use the existing lands already on site.

I was thinking this morning as I walked to my flight in the D concourse--what if Continental had just worked with the city to revamp the A concourse, which at the time had little action going on there (and is still fairly sleepy).

 

I think the retail at Hopkins would have fared better if people making connections at our "hub" had to walk through it to get to another concourse?  Seems to me that your casual traveler of the sort who shops on connections would not be adventurous enough to seek out retail.

 

D or A it's still a stretch.  The airlines on A didn't want to move, and continental cannot make them do that.  However, the Airport did institute gate utilization so that airlines couldn't just sit on gates. 

^ definately. i've had to walk all the way thru the last couple times and overall its not a very pleasant experience. its a real hodge-podge, parts are modern and fresh and there are closed up, narrow sections, smelly carpet, etc. i used to agree it was a very functional place but the interior is slipping, i'm glad to hear about the reno.

 

do you happen to know -- does the airport have plans, renderings and a timetable for all new modern terminal facilities? money issues aside, how far along are they on that vision?

 

No, I don't think that CLE has any renderings or timetable for new facilities - at least not to my knowledge.  As I wrote before, there is only so much you can do with the existing buildings.  Concourse A & B are basically cinder block buildings that were built up to accomodate jet bridges.  The main terminal is also different.  Before the mid 70's renovation, when I was a kid, ticketing was downstairs with baggage claim.  The upstairs was a large space with a couple of shops, a diner type eatery and a full-service restaurant.  Concourse B, while functional cannot be really be upgraded.  I beleive Continental back in the early '90's wanted to do just that but was told that it couldn't be done.  I'm not an expert on CLE but I do know that CLE in its present state is pretty much it for th foreseable future.  I fly for a major airline and live in a different city.  I flew my first solo flight at Hopkins back in the '70's when they has a sod strip marked-out in chalk where the new 24R/6L runway lies.  It's come a long way and isn't that bad of an airport.  But it does need a new facility if it wants to be a hub and major connecting airport.

MD88PILOT --- respectfully, I do realize that it is an older facility --was Cleveland the first to have a municiple airport??  I thought I read that somewhere in Concourse A.

 

But..., it is dirty in many areas and I'm not talking construction debris.  Much better care is necessary. 

 

I do like the improvements in the physcial plant that I am seeing.

MD88PILOT --- respectfully, I do realize that it is an older facility --was Cleveland the first to have a municiple airport??  I thought I read that somewhere in Concourse A.

 

But..., it is dirty in many areas and I'm not talking construction debris.  Much better care is necessary. 

 

 

I do like the improvements in the physcial plant that I am seeing.

 

Oh, I agree...  Hopefully the City would be able to allocate the resources for its upkeep.  But I beleive that CLE is the full responsibility of the City.  I don't think that Cleveland has a regional port authority where fixed costs and improvement costs are spread out among suburban participants or even multi-county.  Take Charlotte for instance.  They have washroom attendants!  Then, look at LaGuardia.  The main terminal is no better than CLE when it comes to cleanliness, though there are better amenities.

 

 

MD88PILOT --- respectfully, I do realize that it is an older facility --was Cleveland the first to have a municiple airport?? I thought I read that somewhere in Concourse A.

 

But..., it is dirty in many areas and I'm not talking construction debris. Much better care is necessary.

 

 

I do like the improvements in the physcial plant that I am seeing.

 

Oh, I agree... Hopefully the City would be able to allocate the resources for its upkeep. But I beleive that CLE is the full responsibility of the City. I don't think that Cleveland has a regional port authority where fixed costs and improvement costs are spread out among suburban participants or even multi-county. Take Charlotte for instance. They have washroom attendants! Then, look at LaGuardia. The main terminal is no better than CLE when it comes to cleanliness, though there are better amenities.

 

 

 

That's the whole point of the BAA project. It's meant to increase revenue streams in total.

 

As you said, MD88, CO is not gonna really invest in making CLE a large hub with the current terminal/concourse buildlings. The idea held by the city was to jack up landing fees to astronomical levels to make the airlines pay for this "new facility". This thinking lead to a real Catch 22. CO and other carriers never brought in enough revenue from landing fees to see substantial projects come to fruit because of the existing facility was too small and outdated. Even though Concourse D was built using this mentality, it isn't the kind of capital projects that have been done in recent years in airports like Pittsburgh or Detroit.

 

Now with landing fees and concessions in balance (and being accounted for first time in 20 years) there is a real possibility for a solid revenue stream to take hold. The revenue stream, over time, can make the substantial changes everyone has been asking for.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeff Donaldson

412-642-7700

[email protected]

 

Sandwiches Piled High from Local Favorite Panini’s Bar and Grill

Arrive at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

– Local Franchisee Opens Unit on Concourse C –

 

CLEVELAND, October 5, 2009 – The signature overstuffed sandwiches of Panini’s Bar

and Grill, a Cleveland original and local favorite, have arrived at the AIRMALL® at

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Owned by United Concessions Group,

Inc. of Cleveland, Panini’s Bar and Grill (1,700 sq. ft.) opened on Friday, October 2 on

Concourse C. Panini’s offers travelers its signature overstuffed sandwiches along with

appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, pizza, wings and burgers, all freshly prepared on

the premises.

 

“Complete with its mile-high sandwiches and other distinctive menu items, Panini’s Bar

and Grill is the latest in a wide array of local concepts that are establishing a presence at

the AIRMALL® at CLE,” said Tina LaForte, vice president of BAA Cleveland. “BAA

Cleveland is dedicated to giving passengers a wide variety of high-quality dining options,

all at ‘Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed.’”

 

"We are excited to be a part of the concessions development at the AIRMALL® at

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport," added Ben Rababy, vice president of United

Concessions Group, Inc. and the franchisee for the Panini's at the AIRMALL®. "At the

airport, airlines are not big fans of overstuffed baggage, but we are certain that our

overstuffed sandwiches will win fans quickly, making us a preferred destination for a

quality meal on the go."

 

Established in 1986 in the Cleveland Flats, Panini’s Bar and Grill has grown from a

neighborhood sandwich shop to a respected restaurant brand across the state of Ohio with

nearly 20 locations.

 

“The new AIRMALL® is certainly going to provide passengers with a true taste of

Cleveland,” said Ricky Smith, director of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. “We

are pleased to provide passengers with local favorites such as Panini’s Bar and Grill and

other concepts that represent the best our region has to offer.”

 

The City of Cleveland forged a 10-year contract with BAA Cleveland in February 2008

to develop and manage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).

The city anticipates the AIRMALL® will double the current participation rate of local

and minority-owned companies, double the number of concession jobs, and double retail

sales figures during the next decade.

 

When complete, the AIRMALL® at CLE will occupy 76,000 square feet of retail space.

 

About BAA Cleveland

BAA Cleveland, Inc. is the developer and manager of the retail and concessions program at

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). In 2008, BAA entered into a ten-year contract with

the City of Cleveland to transform the retail, food and beverage concessions into the AIRMALL® at

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, a strategic combination of well-known national brands and

high-quality local concepts offered at “Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed.” BAA Cleveland is a

project of BAA USA, the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at the

AIRMALLs® at Pittsburgh International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood

Marshall Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport (Terminals B and E). BAA USA is an

affiliate of BAA Limited, the world’s leading airport company, which owns and operates seven UK

airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). For more

information, visit www.airmall.com or www.baausa.com.

# # #

 

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease091005_Paninis.pdf

Other recent press releases regarding the AirMall.  These guys have been busy...

 

Respected Local Brand, Three National Concepts to Open Units at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

– Local Pub Chain Among Newest Brands to Sign Leases –

 

CLEVELAND, September 29, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, the developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), has finalized leased agreements with another group of retail, food and beverage concepts that are committed to opening units at the new AIRMALL® in the coming months.

 

Preparing to open the tap at CLE is The Pub, an Ohio-based restaurant chain offering an upscale, classic pub experience similar to those in Britain. The AIRMALL® unit (3,800 sq. ft) will feature traditional fare such as bangers and mash and fish and chips, along with a host of British-inspired appetizers, sandwiches, toasted Panini’s, salads and desserts.

 

Construction will begin in November 2009. Passengers at CLE should be able to order a pint at The Pub by next February, which is when the restaurant is scheduled to open in the main terminal by the Concourse B security checkpoint.

 

The other concepts that have signed leases to operate units at the AIRMALL® include:

 

• Sbarro (900 sq. ft.), which will be situated in Concourse D and offer a menu of home-made Italian cuisine, such as hand tossed pizza, subs, pastas, fresh salads and homemade desserts. Sbarro opened its first mall-based restaurant in 1967 and has since grown to nearly 1,000 restaurants worldwide. Sbarro is expected to open at CLE in late December 2009.

 

• Quaker Steak & Lube (1,800 sq. ft.), operated by Ohio-based AVI Foodsystems, will open in Concourse B to offer its “Best Wings USA” with a variety of signature sauces. “The Lube” serves more than 70 million wings annually, and has won more than 100 local, national and international awards for its sauce recipes. Construction will begin in November of 2009. The unit is expected to open in February 2010.

 

• BluWire (700 sq. ft.), located in Concourse D, is scheduled for opening in February 2010. BluWire allows travelers to stay connected with wireless accessories and electronic gadgets by putting travelers’ needs first...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease_three%20new%20leases.pdf

 

BAA Cleveland Marks the Opening of Three More Eateries at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

– Newly Opened National Brands Bring Added Quality to Robust Retail Development –

CLEVELAND, August 5, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, the developer of the new AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), is pleased to announce the opening of three new food and beverage concepts, part of the ongoing and dramatic transformation of dining and retail concessions at the airport. Located in the Concourse C Food Court, the new additions began operating this week and offer fare as diverse as

fruit smoothies and meaty sandwiches:

 

• Bananas® Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt is perfect for passengers looking for healthy alternatives. The unit serves fruit smoothies, frozen yogurt and a variety of healthy snacks.

 

• Green Leaf’s…Beyond Great Salads features fresh tossed salads made to order, delicious wraps, grilled panini sandwiches and hearty homemade soups, making it the perfect choice for a healthy, tasty meal.

 

• McAlister's Deli serves a unique combination of hearty deli fare, including sandwiches loaded with delicious cold-cuts, along with a side of Southern charm in the form of its Famous Sweet Tea...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/Concourse%20C%20Food%20Court%20Additions%20Release-FINAL.pdf

 

More New Restaurants Sign Leases with BAA Cleveland to Open at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

– Burgers, Seafood and Subs Being Added to the Expansive Menu of Options –

CLEVELAND, August 12, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), has signed lease agreements with three more companies that are scheduled to open established restaurant brands at the airport.

 

The three new eateries coming to the AIRMALL® are:

 

• Cheeburger Cheeburger (900 sq. ft.), operated by Robinson Hill CH, Inc., which will open a unit in the new main terminal food court. The 1950s-style burger restaurant will feature the franchise’s big, juicy burgers – all made with 100-percent Angus beef – along with thick milk shakes, French fries and onion rings. Founded in 1986 on Sanibel Island, FL, Cheeburger Cheeburger boasts

locations across the United States.

 

• Obrycki’s Crab House and Seafood Restaurant (2,400 sq. ft.), operated by CRC Cleveland, Inc. A Maryland original with a reputation for freshly prepared seafood, Obrycki’s will open in Concourse D and serve famous Maryland crab cakes, crab soup, hot crab dip and more of the favorites featured on the establishment’s menu for more than 60 years.

 

• Subway (900 sq. ft.), operated by Cleveland-area franchisees Deb & Joe Lukasik, which will open in Concourse D and prepare stacked sandwiches made to order, including the restaurant’s eight subs with 6 grams of fat or less. Subway is the world’s largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 28,500 locations in 86 countries...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/three%20new%20leases.pdf

 

BAA Cleveland Finalizes Agreement with Key Concessionaire for the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

– PremAir Signs Lease to Operate Multiple Units –

CLEVELAND, August 31, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), has finalized a lease agreement with PremAir Hospitality Group, LLC, a concessions operator that will play a significant role in developing permanent units at the airport.

 

...As BAA Cleveland continues to develop and expand concessions at the AIRMALL® at CLE, PremAir plans to open the following additional units:

 

• Dunkin’ Donuts, which is slated to open in two separate locations. The Main Terminal Food Court location (450 sq. ft.) is expected to open in November. A second location in ticketing (600 sq. ft.) is scheduled to open in December. Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world, providing customers with high-quality coffee, bagels, donuts and other baked goods.

 

• Gordon Biersch (2,400 sq. ft.), which will be located in Concourse D, is expected to open in December. Founded in Palo Alto, CA in 1988, Gordon

Biersch specializes in fresh, hand crafted beer and premium, made-from-scratch food, all served in a friendly and fun atmosphere...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/PremAir%20Lease%20Release-FINAL.pdf

 

Stylish Jewelry from Taxco Sterling Company Arrives at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

- New Destination for Travelers Seeking a Gift or Something Special -

CLEVELAND, September 15, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), is pleased to announce the opening of Taxco Sterling Company (800 sq. ft.), a premier retail jeweler specializing in silver jewelry, 18kt gold jewelry and silver and stone accessories. A national brand with locations in many of the busiest airports across the country, Taxco Sterling Company’s unit at the AIRMALL® at CLE is located at the beginning of Concourse C...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease091509Taxco%20Sterling.pdf

 

Electronics Mecca and Traveling Necessities Outlets Open Their Doors at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

– I-Tech X-perience, Hudson News Offer Quality, Convenience –

CLEVELAND, September 17, 2009 – Travelers in search of the hottest electronic gadgets or a wide array of reading materials have new options at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). BAA Cleveland is pleased to announce the opening of I-Tech X-perience and two Hudson News units, the latest examples of the transformation of concessions at the airport.

 

An electronics mecca for people on the go, I-Tech X-perience is all about the experience. The store boasts an innovative layout that enables gamers and others to test and purchase branded electronics in the store – everything from MP3 players to DVD players and video games. I-Tech X-perience (900 sq. ft.) is located at the beginning of Concourse C.

 

The latest Hudson News units are located pre-security, providing landside access to news and gift shops. This is something that was not available to passengers and airport visitors prior to the introduction of the AIRMALL® at CLE:

 

• Hudson News Euro Café (640 sq. ft.), located in ticketing, offers travelers a wide selection of newspapers, magazines, books, tobacco products, snack foods, and travel accessories along with sandwiches, salads, coffee and freshly prepared baked goods from Fragapane’s, a local favorite.

 

• Hudson News Aero Mart (700 sq. ft.), situated in baggage claim, gives travelers access to quick one-stop shopping for necessities, reading materials and a variety of packaged snacks, foods to go and freshly brewed coffee...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease090917%20IXperience.pdf

 

More Dining Choices, More Branded Retail Units at the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

 

- Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Zoom Systems Among the New Offerings -

CLEVELAND, September 24, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, developer of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), is pleased to announce the latest branded retail concepts to arrive at the airport, part of a total transformation of concessions at CLE. The following new units are scheduled to open this week:

 

• Hudson News (1,400 sq. ft.), located in Concourse D, will give travelers additional access to one-stop shopping for reading materials such as newspapers, magazines and books, a variety of packaged foods, snacks on the go and other travel necessities.

 

• Auntie Anne's Pretzels (526 sq. ft.), located on Concourse C, will offer travelers their famous, freshly baked soft pretzels. Seasoned pretzel makers will cut, hand-roll, twist and bake the pretzels, which are made from fresh dough that will be prepared on the premises. Passengers can choose from a variety of flavors including Original, Garlic, Jalapeño, Cinnamon Sugar, Sour Cream & Onion and more. For an extra boost of flavor, travelers can dip their pretzels in everything from marinara sauce and cheese to caramel.

 

• Travelex will provide passengers with the world’s largest foreign exchange retailer, selling banknotes and other foreign exchange products and services. Travelex now operates two locations – one post-security in Concourse C (335 sq. ft.) and one pre-security (383 sq. ft.). The pre-security option was previously not available at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Travelex has been providing currency exchange services on an interim basis since BAA assumed management of concessions at CLE.

 

• Zoom Systems has teamed up with Best Buy to offer two vending machines supplied with Best Buy-supplied merchandise such as electronic devices, movies and other gadgets. These kiosks are located in Concourses C and D...

http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease090924%20Auntie%20Annes_Zoom.pdf

was at the airport yesterday.  It is already looking 100 times better.  Kudos to the new concept and the quick work.

I need to get back to the airport to check out the changes! I haven't been there since my flight back from London. I need another trip to Europe anyway!!

I was at the aiport yesterday as well...the changes are very welcome...and panini's was packed!

Chicken vs. Egg question but are there current plans to include a duty-free shop in the near future with the Airmall expansion?

Numerous improvements to Hopkins Airport are on City Council's agenda for next week. Note the section under Aviation and Transportation Committee...

 

http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/Legislation/tabid/61/Default.aspx#Av

Two more new concessions at CLE:

 

• Crocs (730 sq. ft.), located in Concourse C, is scheduled for opening in early 2010.

Crocs offers comfortable, lightweight, versatile footwear for men, women and

children in a variety of styles and colors.

 

• Currito: Burritos Without Borders (900 sq. ft.), which will be located in the Food

Court in the Main Terminal, surpasses typical burrito cuisine and wrap restaurants by

serving “burritos without borders.” Rolled to order for superior quality and taste,

Currito serves Mediterranean, Mexican, American and Asian burritos along with

refreshing all-natural smoothies and more. The restaurant is expected to open at the

AIRMALL® at CLE this winter.

“

 

http://clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/NewsRelease091027_Crocs.pdf

I hope the airport implements a recycling program and that places like Max & Erma's will choose to not use plastic disposable utensils.

Continental Airlines cancels non-stop seasonal flights from Cleveland to London

By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer

December 03, 2009, 6:05PM

 

" The airline in a statement blamed 'the inability to secure economically viable seasonal slots at Heathrow and the impact of the global recession on the performance of the route.'

 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said he will lead a delegation of business leaders to Continental headquarters in Houston early next year to talk about resuming the service. "

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/continental_airlines_cancels_n.html

Continental Airlines cancels non-stop seasonal flights from Cleveland to London

By Alison Grant, The Plain Dealer

December 03, 2009, 6:05PM

 

" The airline in a statement blamed 'the inability to secure economically viable seasonal slots at Heathrow and the impact of the global recession on the performance of the route.'

 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said he will lead a delegation of business leaders to Continental headquarters in Houston early next year to talk about resuming the service. "

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/continental_airlines_cancels_n.html

 

UGH.  Continental is really ramming service into newark at the expense of Cleveland.  I would really like to see financials.

 

Now that we're apart of skyteam and O'Hare and Newark are both an hour away, it will be harder for Cleveland to fight for international market share.

Once again this all comes back to utilization of resources.  Continental is not a huge airline.  It's wide-body fleet is quite small in comparison to its peers.  Remember, they were supposed to be taking delivery of B787's this summer which is of course delayed.  I don't know what the city offers (if anything) in the way of incentives.  Also, the summer LHR slot has to be sub-leased from another airline.  As the airline stated, they were not able to secure a viable slot to make the route profitable.  With CAL's entry into Star I think a FRA flight is in the offing - and probably using LH metal

Once again this all comes back to utilization of resources.  Continental is not a huge airline.  It's wide-body fleet is quite small in comparison to its peers.  Remember, they were supposed to be taking delivery of B787's this summer which is of course delayed.  I don't know what the city offers (if anything) in the way of incentives.  Also, the summer LHR slot has to be sub-leased from another airline.  As the airline stated, they were not able to secure a viable slot to make the route profitable.  With CAL's entry into Star I think a FRA flight is in the offing - and probably using LH metal

 

With the planes they've mothballed they could spare these two planes for CLE.  Hell we already get shortchanged.  Hell they could even lease a few planes.

Did they send any widebodies to the desert?  The economics of using a 757 to an airport like LHR (and using up a valuable slot) is questionable - unless you've got some super premium fares.  My general opinion as someone whose flown for a major through thick n thin these past 25 years is that the CLE hub is fine.  It's already largly O&D and is profitable.  Unless the concourses are enlarged there will be no substantial connecting traffic thru CLE.  There is simply no place to put people between flights.  CLE will have transatlantic service again - and it will be FRA

Did they send any widebodies to the desert?  The economics of using a 757 to an airport like LHR (and using up a valuable slot) is questionable - unless you've got some super premium fares.  My general opinion as someone whose flown for a major through thick n thin these past 25 years is that the CLE hub is fine.  It's already largly O&D and is profitable.  Unless the concourses are enlarged there will be no substantial connecting traffic thru CLE.  There is simply no place to put people between flights.  CLE will have transatlantic service again - and it will be FRA

 

I think they did and gave up on leases on others.  you notice how we got the 737-500s but the 700s/800/900s are mainly in EWR and IAH.  We're continentals red headed step child hub.

 

I prefer London as that is where I travel the most and CLE is easy to navigate and better for connections.  Continental is more worried about cannibalizing EWR than strengthening CLE.

 

EWR is delay prone even as airlines reduce capacity.  Move some of those flights to CLE.

 

I would like to see:

• more west coast flight
  
• more evening departures, especially to business centers
  
• more Caribbean service
  
• introduction of Hawaii, SA and Tel Aviv
  

I hate connecting.

Did they send any widebodies to the desert?  The economics of using a 757 to an airport like LHR (and using up a valuable slot) is questionable - unless you've got some super premium fares.  My general opinion as someone whose flown for a major through thick n thin these past 25 years is that the CLE hub is fine.  It's already largly O&D and is profitable.  Unless the concourses are enlarged there will be no substantial connecting traffic thru CLE.  There is simply no place to put people between flights.  CLE will have transatlantic service again - and it will be FRA

 

I think they did and gave up on leases on others.  you notice how we got the 737-500s but the 700s/800/900s are mainly in EWR and IAH.  We're continentals red headed step child hub.

 

I prefer London as that is where I travel the most and CLE is easy to navigate and better for connections.  Continental is more worried about cannibalizing EWR than strengthening CLE.

 

EWR is delay prone even as airlines reduce capacity.  Move some of those flights to CLE.

 

I would like to see:

• more west coast flight
  
• more evening departures, especially to business centers
  
• more Caribbean service
  
• introduction of Hawaii, SA and Tel Aviv
  

I hate connecting.

 

I agree 100%.  CLE is an afterthought.  They will never canibalize EWR.  The economies of scale are much to great to pull-down resources - as is ATL at my line.  HOWEVER; and this cannot be minimialized, CLE's infrastucture is outdated and inadequate to handle alot of connecting passengers at one time.  Also, the customs area is sub-par.  Granted, these things do not guartantee success (look at PIT and CVG) but if the city doesn't invest in itself, why would CAL commit?

 

BUT to get back on track, until transatlantic demand gets back on track - not just from CLE but systemwide - CAL (and other lines) will consolidate resources where they already have a comfortable yield margin.

Bastards  :x.  We really wanted to use that non-stop for our honeymoon!  I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed they get something worked out for 2011!

Did they send any widebodies to the desert?  The economics of using a 757 to an airport like LHR (and using up a valuable slot) is questionable - unless you've got some super premium fares.  My general opinion as someone whose flown for a major through thick n thin these past 25 years is that the CLE hub is fine.  It's already largly O&D and is profitable.  Unless the concourses are enlarged there will be no substantial connecting traffic thru CLE.  There is simply no place to put people between flights.  CLE will have transatlantic service again - and it will be FRA

 

I think they did and gave up on leases on others.  you notice how we got the 737-500s but the 700s/800/900s are mainly in EWR and IAH.  We're continentals red headed step child hub.

 

I prefer London as that is where I travel the most and CLE is easy to navigate and better for connections.  Continental is more worried about cannibalizing EWR than strengthening CLE.

 

EWR is delay prone even as airlines reduce capacity.  Move some of those flights to CLE.

 

I would like to see:

• more west coast flight
  
• more evening departures, especially to business centers
  
• more Caribbean service
  
• introduction of Hawaii, SA and Tel Aviv
  

I hate connecting.

 

I agree 100%.  CLE is an afterthought.  They will never cannibalize EWR.  The economies of scale are much to great to pull-down resources - as is ATL at my line.  HOWEVER; and this cannot be minimialized, CLE's infrastucture is outdated and inadequate to handle alot of connecting passengers at one time.  Also, the customs area is sub-par.  Granted, these things do not guartantee success (look at PIT and CVG) but if the city doesn't invest in itself, why would CAL commit?

 

BUT to get back on track, until transatlantic demand gets back on track - not just from CLE but systemwide - CAL (and other lines) will consolidate resources where they already have a comfortable yield margin.

 

The highlighted is well known and was supposed to be addressed before the economic free fall, however, with several international event and upcoming convention seasons, the city has to do something to fix that soon.

 

Bastards  :x .  We really wanted to use that non-stop for our honeymoon!  I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed they get something worked out for 2011!

Aww.  I hope it gets worked out before hand.  We can't have our resident celebutant connecting for her honeymoon.

Bastards  :x .  We really wanted to use that non-stop for our honeymoon!  I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed they get something worked out for 2011!

Aww.  I hope it gets worked out before hand.  We can't have our resident celebutant connecting for her honeymoon.

 

I know, right?  There will be too many paps in NYC!  Hahaha.  Anyway, I'd be really interested in the numbers too.  I get the feeling this is like an RTA situation, though - the ridership numbers may not have anything to do with the cuts.

Do you guys think that it would require a subsidy in order to make it work (depending on the numbers) like Pittsburg had to do (to the tune of 9 million) in order to get an international flight?

Do you guys think that it would require a subsidy in order to make it work (depending on the numbers) like Pittsburg had to do (to the tune of 9 million) in order to get an international flight?

 

Na... Since we have a full fledge hug and they don't.  People now, with CLE limited facilities, would gladly transfer or connect in Cleveland vs. EWR if we had better service.  IE  Equal to the services provided from EWR/IAH to other major cities.

Do you guys think that it would require a subsidy in order to make it work (depending on the numbers) like Pittsburg had to do (to the tune of 9 million) in order to get an international flight?

 

Na... Since we have a full fledge hug and they don't.  People now, with CLE limited facilities, would gladly transfer or connect in Cleveland vs. EWR if we had better service.  IE  Equal to the services provided from EWR/IAH to other major cities.

 

It would be interesting to note the premium F and Y fares on CLE - LHR O&D. This is the revenue driver.  From govt statistics I beleive that there are 300+ pax a day on average from CLE going transatlantic.  If the premium fares are there it mystifies me as to how CAL cant make CLE-LHR and even a simultaneous CLE-FRA flightr work year around.  What this tells me is that depsite the ns service, alot of people choose to go to europe on other airlines via connection.

Do you guys think that it would require a subsidy in order to make it work (depending on the numbers) like Pittsburg had to do (to the tune of 9 million) in order to get an international flight?

 

Na... Since we have a full fledge hug and they don't.  People now, with CLE limited facilities, would gladly transfer or connect in Cleveland vs. EWR if we had better service.  IE  Equal to the services provided from EWR/IAH to other major cities.

 

It would be interesting to note the premium F and Y fares on CLE - LHR O&D. This is the revenue driver.  From govt statistics I beleive that there are 300+ pax a day on average from CLE going transatlantic.  If the premium fares are there it mystifies me as to how CAL cant make CLE-LHR and even a simultaneous CLE-FRA flightr work year around.  What this tells me is that depsite the ns service, alot of people choose to go to europe on other airlines via connection.

 

Aint that the million dollar Question!

 

I understand that the number of passengers triples in summer, particularly July thru Labor day.

From govt statistics I beleive that there are 300+ pax a day on average from CLE going transatlantic.

 

Do you know where I can find this data?

I beleive the stats are generated somewhere in the Commerce Department.  Hey, while I'm in this thread I have a couple of questions:  I don't live in CLE so i was wondering if CAL actively markets/marketed the LHR and the previous LGW flights?  What about the former CGD flight?  Does anyone know if the greater CLE business community embraced these flights?  Again, I really find it difficult that CLE can't support at least one year round flight 'cross the pond on a B767-200ER.

 

In futher response to a reply above, PIT HAD to offer a subsidy.  This PIT-CDG flight is dependent strictly on O&D from PIT and to a much lesser extent from CDG.  Delta has NO connecting passengers through PIT.

 

Now, it certainly wouldn't hurt if CLE offered CAL some incentives (landing fees, etc).  It would make it easier for CAL to pull some metal from EWR.

Yes they were marketed and on many travel sites.  And sold well.  A high up continental operations managers lives near me and we speak often on the way to the airport.  They lobby for more flights, since Cleveland has few delays, a nice overall staff and running 25% undercapacity.  CLE could add 100 additional flights a day and still not be at capacity.  The CLE staff own calculations say CLE can handle a daily flight to LHR, CDG, TLV and FRA.  There were a couple of other places he mentioned as well.  Continental uses the facilities as a reason for the slow international expansion and that EWR is only an hour away.

 

Well you should know the 757-200 and the 767-200 are pretty similar in seating.  767 has more cargo capacity.

 

I dont think the O&D market could sell the 25 BF seats on the 767 in Cleveland without upgrading the facilities.  Selling 16 757 BF seats not so hard.  The 767 BF seats and product are superior to the 757 BF seats and product.

Yes they were marketed and on many travel sites. And sold well. A high up continental operations managers lives near me and we speak often on the way to the airport. They lobby for more flights, since Cleveland has few delays, a nice overall staff and running 25% undercapacity. CLE could add 100 additional flights a day and still not be at capacity. The CLE staff own calculations say CLE can handle a daily flight to LHR, CDG, TLV and FRA. There were a couple of other places he mentioned as well. Continental uses the facilities as a reason for the slow international expansion and that EWR is only an hour away.

 

Well you should know the 757-200 and the 767-200 are pretty similar in seating. 767 has more cargo capacity.

 

I dont think the O&D market could sell the 25 BF seats on the 767 in Cleveland without upgrading the facilities. Selling 16 757 BF seats not so hard. The 767 BF seats and product are superior to the 757 BF seats and product.

 

Yes, I know the seating on the 767/757 aircraft.  I've flown both. In fact the aircraft are so similar it's a dual rating.  The 767 does have a few more F seats and the greater belly space.  I know that CAL ships cargo to EWR via truck from CLE.  Well, for what it's worth, CAL is closing the international F/A base in CLE come March.  This probably doesn't bode well for immediate future int'l service.  Just out of curiosity, and off-the-record, what does this high up ops guy you mentioned think about CLE's future in the CAL system

New York has always been our gateway to Europe.  While everything stated here does make some economic sense on paper for CAL, people still want to fly in and out of New York for reasons reaching beyond the ones stated above.  Most Europeans I deal with would never consider Cleveland because their business and leisure travels are all on either coast, making NYC the obvious choice for their inbound flights to the US.  The customs at CLE is sketchy at best--I once had to wait 1.5 hours for the agents TO ARRIVE on an inbound from LGW because our flight was late and the border patrol sent the agents home....  :roll:

 

New York has always been our gateway to Europe.  While everything stated here does make some economic sense on paper for CAL, people still want to fly in and out of New York for reasons reaching beyond the ones stated above.  Most Europeans I deal with would never consider Cleveland because their business and leisure travels are all on either coast, making NYC the obvious choice for their inbound flights to the US.  The customs at CLE is sketchy at best--I once had to wait 1.5 hours for the agents TO ARRIVE on an inbound from LGW because our flight was late and the border patrol sent the agents home....  ::)

 

 

NY has not always been our gateway.  We've previously had non stop service to europe.

 

Not everyone wants to fly in and out of NEWARK or a NYC Airport.  Businesses in Cleveland need non stop TATL service.  We need to be able to compete globally and with to very large, high profile events coming here that showcase people from all over the world, we need non stop international service.  The city and continental must get that INS/Customs situation in order NOW.

 

In regard to your ONE situation, that could happen at any airport.  ::)

Hey, while I'm in this thread I have a couple of questions: I don't live in CLE so i was wondering if CAL actively markets/marketed the LHR and the previous LGW flights?

 

Last summer, I was trying to book a flight to Sweden for my wife. I wanted to try to have her fly Cle-heathrow-Stockholm. Even though the connnecting flights would work, Orbitz would not office the Cleveland-London flight as an option. I called Continental and asked why. The lady just said that it must be a computer glitch.

New York has always been our gateway to Europe.  While everything stated here does make some economic sense on paper for CAL, people still want to fly in and out of New York for reasons reaching beyond the ones stated above.   Most Europeans I deal with would never consider Cleveland because their business and leisure travels are all on either coast, making NYC the obvious choice for their inbound flights to the US.  The customs at CLE is sketchy at best--I once had to wait 1.5 hours for the agents TO ARRIVE on an inbound from LGW because our flight was late and the border patrol sent the agents home....  ::)

 

  Businesses in Cleveland need non stop TATL service.  We need to be able to compete globally and with to very large, high profile events coming here that showcase people from all over the world, we need non stop international service.  The city and continental must get that INS/Customs situation in order NOW.

 

In regard to your ONE situation, that could happen at any airport.  ::)

 

This is very true about a certain future event that is a few years away.  I hate to see it become too difficult to get to CLE that people dont come (it would further fuel the critics of Clevelands choice for this particular event).

 

Cleburger, it sounds like your wait was still quite a bit shorter than one could often experience at say Dulles (My experience every time there). 

 

Do you think this will serve as an excuse for CLE to shift resources from the INS/Customs situation, since it could appear to some there is no point?

Hey, while I'm in this thread I have a couple of questions:  I don't live in CLE so i was wondering if CAL actively markets/marketed the LHR and the previous LGW flights? 

 

Last summer, I was trying to book a flight to Sweden for my wife. I wanted to try to have her fly Cle-heathrow-Stockholm. Even though the connnecting flights would work, Orbitz would not office the Cleveland-London flight as an option. I called Continental and asked why. The lady just said that it must be a computer glitch.

 

not all flights are picked up on third party systems.  Orbitz, might not had any allocation for seats or had sold out on their allotted number of seats on the outbound flight.  I always suggest using the actual providers proprietary site when book travel.  Especially international travel.

^actually, I went to continental.com as well and it was hard to get the cle-london flight to even come up as an option.

^actually, I went to continental.com as well and it was hard to get the cle-london flight to even come up as an option.

 

hummm... :wtf:

A lot of times even though a city pair might offer non-stops, the res systems will give you connections because the fare might be lower.  CLE-LHR n/s is usually pricey compared to the connections

A lot of times even though a city pair might offer non-stops, the res systems will give you connections because the fare might be lower.  CLE-LHR n/s is usually pricey compared to the connections

 

My parents are flying to Florida in March to visit my snowbird Grandpa, but they are driving from Cleveland to Erie, Pa. for a 7am flight only to fly back to Cleveland, pick up passengers, and then go on to Florida because it is $150 cheaper per person to leave from Erie instead of Cleveland. 

A lot of times even though a city pair might offer non-stops, the res systems will give you connections because the fare might be lower.  CLE-LHR n/s is usually pricey compared to the connections

 

My parents are flying to Florida in March to visit my snowbird Grandpa, but they are driving from Cleveland to Erie, Pa. for a 7am flight only to fly back to Cleveland, pick up passengers, and then go on to Florida because it is $150 cheaper per person to leave from Erie instead of Cleveland. 

 

yet they are:

• putting miles on their car
  
• have a gas expense
  
• time expense
  
• maintenance
   
  

All for $150.  :wtf:  And if the weather is bad or the flight is book light, they may cancel the flight.  If the weather is bad, then there is the added possibility of them missing their connection.

 

People don't realize that inbound/outbound hub flights cost more.

A lot of times even though a city pair might offer non-stops, the res systems will give you connections because the fare might be lower. CLE-LHR n/s is usually pricey compared to the connections

 

My parents are flying to Florida in March to visit my snowbird Grandpa, but they are driving from Cleveland to Erie, Pa. for a 7am flight only to fly back to Cleveland, pick up passengers, and then go on to Florida because it is $150 cheaper per person to leave from Erie instead of Cleveland.

 

yet they are:

• putting miles on their car
  
• have a gas expense
  
• time expense
  
• maintenance
   
  

All for $150.   :wtf:   And if the weather is bad or the flight is book light, they may cancel the flight. If the weather is bad, then there is the added possibility of them missing their connection.

 

People don't realize that inbound/outbound hub flights cost more.

 

Is that $150.00 total or per person?  If total then the actual savings might not be so great.  And you are right, the cost of a hub is higher airfares.  That's how we made CVG work.