October 22, 200717 yr Well DTW is a huge airport plus since it's far from the city center and most people would probably rather stay in the friendly confines of suburban detroit... Nothing personal Detroiters :wink: Anyways, a Sofitel would spice things up and compliment our Paris service!! Personally, Sofitels suck. I would love a W, but both of those properties are "city" properties not airport properties. Although if my lowered caffeinated memory serves me properly, the Sofitel in Miami is near the airport. I would like to see both downtown, we have the space! :-) Cleveland isn't exactly a small airport and the expansion will make an improved airport hotel a necessity! I would say this will remain a Sheraton or switch to a Westin (improved price point, expected amenties, conference facilities etc.), since the property must stay within the Starwood brand.
October 30, 200717 yr Hopkins Press Release: NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Pat Smith 216-265-6164 CLE and the County Board of Health Offer Flu Shots for Airport Travelers Glucose Screening And Blood Pressure Checks Also Provided CLEVELAND, October 26, 2007 — Business travelers especially are often too busy to take the time to make a doctor’s appointment and get that much needed flu shot. Starting next Friday, November 2nd, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport collaborating with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Cleveland Department of Public Health will offer flu shots to travelers twice a week throughout the month of November. “This type of program has been successfully offered in other airports throughout our nation, and we appreciate the efforts of the Public Health Departments to partner with us on this worthwhile customer service,” said Airport Director Ricky Smith. “Business travelers fall into a very special category when it comes to contracting and transmitting the virus,” said Terry Allan, Health Commissioner for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. “Their schedules may be too hectic to take the time to go into their physician for their influenza vaccination. This service will offer a convenient opportunity for all travelers, business and leisure to protect themselves, their families and fellow travelers against the flu.” The program will be available on Mondays and Fridays throughout November from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a cost of only $25. Paramedics with the airport’s firefighting and rescue squads will also provide glucose screening and blood pressure checks at no charge during these sessions. - 30 – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the World’s Premier Air Service Gateway to the Midwest offering 325 daily flights to more than 85 nonstop destinations.
December 7, 200717 yr http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2007/12/airports-help-b.html New York, Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco offer flu shots Passengers traveling through several major U.S. airports this winter are taking the chance to ward off the flu thanks to a popular new program. A fresh twist on an old idea, passengers can take the opportunity for a flu shot after they have checked through security. Previously, the system saw passengers get their immunization before passing through the checkpoints. Many flyers chose not to in fear of missing their flight. However, airports including those in New York, Cleveland, Chicago and San Francisco all adapted the system, costing between $15 and $35 per shot, which has proved a big hit. Maureen Zampella, General Operations Manager and Director of Nursing at Newark, told the Associated Press the changes had made a big difference to many passengers. "It's helpful being on the airside because people don't know how long it's going to take getting through security so they don't want to take a risk of waiting in a medical clinic or being stuck in security and not making their plane," she explained. Vaccinations have proved a particularly useful tool for business travelers, keen to make the most of the service in an otherwise hectic schedule.
February 6, 200817 yr Yay! A hub airport w/o Duty Free is like a downtown without a McDonalds! Wait a minute :wtf:... Well hopefully there's a duty free shop to strengthen our argument for more and/or consistent intl service even if it's just year round London, Paris, Canada, Mexico/Car. Does this mean no more trolley carts of sunglasses and knick knacks along concourse C?! :clap: Let learn for the Europeans and realize that if you can't knock it down and build from scratch, make the inside as nice as possible! What a pleasant/rare suprise this morning on Cleveland.com and no stupid comments yet either! :clap:
February 6, 200817 yr We'll as a person who uses the airport like public transportation, I see this as a positive. I notice that this is scheduled to open around the same time as the international arrivals hall. Smart. I've also been hearing a rumor of an additional bank of flights after 8/8:30 PM. Giving those that work an opportunity to work a full day then head to the airport. :clap: Also, I've noticed that airport seems much busier these days and more people (non airport workers) arriving by train. However, that could be just the times I'm traveling to the airport.
February 6, 200817 yr BAA will develop about 40,000 square feet of unused space. The existing 46,000 square feet of retail will be reconfigured, with restaurants being sprinkled throughout the terminal instead of planted in one food court. This is great news! Where is there 40,000 sq ft of unused space at CLE?
February 6, 200817 yr Good news. Although, outside of an occasional Starbucks stop, I never buy anything while in the airport, so it doesn't get me overly excited as user. But it should definitely help attract more money from connecting passengers, people with flight delays, other people more inclined to shop than me, etc.
February 6, 200817 yr Yeah. I think it would be really nice for people who have long layovers and have time to kill. The good thing is that they're pricing stuff at regular prices, not bloated airport prices, so it's actually an added convenience to shop there, too.
February 6, 200817 yr Will BAA keep some existing stores and restaurants? Yes. A good example is Starbucks, the ubiquitous coffee retailer. Um... Great Lakes better not be going anywhere! :drunk:
February 6, 200817 yr BAA will develop about 40,000 square feet of unused space. The existing 46,000 square feet of retail will be reconfigured, with restaurants being sprinkled throughout the terminal instead of planted in one food court. This is great news! Where is there 40,000 sq ft of unused space at CLE? I bet its unclaimed space. My conspiracy theory as to where the space will come from as I think there are several places they could get space. I think its hidden behind the A-B connector. and it will be expanded like it was with the B-C connector. There is a dead zone between the central security gates and the corridor to the B concourse gates. The observation deck. IIRC, I reported that once watching planes land and I saw some unidentifiable people up there talking about a restaurant on Concourse A, where the old US Air club is and that bathroom next to it could both be reconfigured for retail. Also I was at the airport (around September) and Continental was asking people how they felt about a Presidents Club in D Terminal. (I couldn't quite overhear everything, so some of this might be wrong) Apparently the terminal was built, so a partial second floor could be added above near the Elevators or - this is the part that is fuzzy - at the north end of the concourse (gate 1 area) which could lead to building direct access from the main terminal directly to the D Concourse. Continental need to upgrade the existing Presidents Club, especially with more international flights coming on line.
February 6, 200817 yr Will BAA keep some existing stores and restaurants? Yes. A good example is Starbucks, the ubiquitous coffee retailer. Um... Great Lakes better not be going anywhere! :drunk: You ain't just whistlin' 'Dixie' - it's nice to be able to have a beer (or two) to take off the pre-flight "edge". clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
February 6, 200817 yr Will BAA keep some existing stores and restaurants? Yes. A good example is Starbucks, the ubiquitous coffee retailer. Um... Great Lakes better not be going anywhere! :drunk: You ain't just whistlin' 'Dixie' - it's nice to be able to have a beer (or two) to take off the pre-flight "edge". Thats what first class is for. Pre boarding cocktails!
February 6, 200817 yr Um, the goatp!ss served on most planes is not something I would want to consume. Ugh, what a horrible thought - if god forbid something happened - my last beer would have been poured from a can?!? Ack!!! The horror!!! clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
February 6, 200817 yr Um, the goatp!ss served on most planes is not something I would want to consume. Ugh, what a horrible thought - if god forbid something happened - my last beer would have been poured from a can?!? Ack!!! The horror!!! Goatp!ss! LMAO!! Actually United has decent cocktails and wine. Continental's wine is bad and I rarely, if ever, drink.
February 6, 200817 yr Continental's wine is bad and I rarely, if ever, drink. True, it's not great (especially because they serve cold red wine that's been sitting in the refrigerator), but after a long day or week, I can usually manage....
February 6, 200817 yr Wait MTS! You mentioned a new intl hall opening in 2 years?! Nothing more than what was mentioned months ago right? No images or anything like that?
February 6, 200817 yr Wait MTS! You mentioned a new intl hall opening in 2 years?! Nothing more than what was mentioned months ago right? No images or anything like that? Yeah, Continental wants to build a new customs/immigration facility. If it goes ahead as is, it "appears" the new "mall" and INS arrivals hall would open around the same time.
February 6, 200817 yr Here's the press release from the city, which was e-mailed at 11:30 a.m.: ____________________ City of Cleveland Department of Port Control Chooses BAA USA to Develop Dynamic New Retail Concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – BAA to Establish Award-Winning AIRMALL® at CLE, with “Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed,” International Brands, and High-Quality Local Concepts – CLEVELAND, February 6, 2008 – BAA USA, the nation’s leader in airport retail development and operator of the award-winning AIRMALLs® at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), has been chosen to become the master developer of airport retail, food and beverage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). Frank G. Jackson, Mayor of Cleveland; and Ricky D. Smith, Sr., Director of the Department of Port Control, made the official announcement on Wednesday, February 6 in Cleveland. “We are elated to officially partner with the City of Cleveland to transform the concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport,” noted Mark Knight, President of BAA USA. “We look forward to working with both the city and the Department of Port Control to make the airport a source of pride for a region that is already proud of its history and is poised to redefine itself in the coming years.” The City of Cleveland awarded the ten-year contract to BAA USA following a year-long selection process conducted by the Department of Port Control. BAA was chosen among a total of three respondents. As the master developer of airport concessions at CLE, BAA USA will establish an AIRMALL®, which has become the gold standard of airport concessions over the past two decades and boasts the highest per-passenger spend in the nation. The BAA model is based on four primary tenets: • A strategic mix of high-quality national and international brands that people recognize and trust; and high-quality regional/local brands that inject local flavor, provide opportunity to regional business owners, and connect the airport to the larger community. • A belief that competition breeds better results for airport merchants and airline passengers alike. • A value proposition that means something to the consumer: “Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed.” • An absolute dedication to customer service. In line with this philosophy, the development of the AIRMALL® will generate a host of opportunities for local restaurants, retail establishments, entrepreneurs and other unique concepts. The new AIRMALL® also expects to double the amount of airport concessions jobs available to Cleveland-area residents. “Cleveland Hopkins International Airport represents the gateway to our city for visitors from around the globe, and we look forward to the transformation of the retail concessions program,” noted Mayor Jackson. “We also encourage local businesses and residents to take advantage of the opportunities that will take shape at the airport.” “We chose BAA USA because we believe they have the experience and the vision to create retail concessions at CLE that will consistently offer quality goods and services to the airline passenger,” added Smith. “This is something that the discerning traveler has come to expect.” The addition of the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport adds to an expanding portfolio for BAA USA, which was founded in 1991 with the development of the AIRMALL® at Pittsburgh International Airport. BAA USA will officially assume control of retail operations at CLE on April 1, 2008. “In the coming months, we look forward to working with the Department of Port Control so that we can share our vision for the new AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport with the public,” added Knight. “We are certain that the airline passenger will share our excitement when they visualize the dramatic changes that are about to take place.” For more information about BAA USA, visit www.baausa.com or www.airmall.com. Please click here (http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/pdf/press/BAA-Renderings.pdf) to view the BAA renderings for the future Airmall at Hopkins International Airport. About BAA USA BAA USA is affiliated with BAA Limited, the world’s leading airport company, which owns and operates seven UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow). BAA USA is the master developer and manager of the retail and food and beverage operations at the AIRMALL® at Pittsburgh International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport Terminals B and E/C. BAA has taken significant shareholdings in international airports including Naples, Italy. The company’s core skills include airport management, retail development and leasing, property development, and management and project management. # # # "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 200817 yr An just in case you missed it, buried in the press release, here are the floor plans and renderings.... http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/pdf/press/BAA-Renderings.pdf "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6, 200817 yr The councouse D layout doesn't look very practical, however, I UNDERSTAND this is just a rendering.
February 7, 200817 yr Rendering or not, it's nice to see Hopkins maturing FINALLY and attempt to contend with the other major hubs in terms of air service and customer service/amenities! :clap:
February 7, 200817 yr Rendering or not, it's nice to see Hopkins maturing FINALLY and attempt to contend with the other major hubs in terms of air service and customer service/amenities! :clap: As multi week user of the airport I 100% agree.
February 8, 200817 yr Question moderators: Is it possible to merge the other Hopkins News/Expansion thread or has this already been discussed?
February 16, 200817 yr I'm posting this in the GENERAL THREAD not the "expansion" thread for obvious reasons. Well both ends of Ohio are wrapped up in the "merger consolidation" speculation discussions. Talk about taking it a both ends! Although Continental cannot grow in the NY area and United is pinned in, in Chicago, I still think Cleveland will be hurt. Granted, I don't think all hubs will stay in tact, the government won't allow it. Possible Continental-United merger unlikely to hurt Hopkins, analysts say Analysts say hub is safe if Continental, United join Saturday, February 16, 2008 Henry J. Gomez Plain Dealer Reporter Cleveland Hopkins International Airport would most likely remain a hub for Continental if the airline follows through on rumored merger talks with United, experts say. Retired Continental Chief Executive Gordon Bethune and at least one other industry insider said this week that Continental's plans for a $50 million expansion at Hopkins suggest that the Cleveland hub is too valuable to abandon. "Cleveland must be profitable, or Continental wouldn't be expanding there," said Bethune, who led the Houston-based company from 1994 to 2004. "Why would you stop doing things that are profitable? Cleveland's probably going to be OK." Continental, the largest carrier at Hopkins, reportedly wants to hook up with United if a rumored deal pans out between two rivals, Delta and Northwest. Citing anonymous sources, the Chicago Tribune on Friday described the Continental-United negotiations as "advanced." The talks are a source of some concern, as Continental is a huge regional employer and economic-development tool with more than 2,000 employees in Northeast Ohio and more than 240 daily departures. Geographically, Continental and United would complement each other well. But there is some overlap in the Midwest. United, based in Elk Grove, Ill., has a major hub at Chicago O'Hare International Airport - perhaps too close to Cleveland for comfort. Consolidation decisions are likely to be based largely on how a combined airline can eliminate overlaps. If Continental merges with United, the new-look company probably wouldn't need extensive Midwest connections in both Chicago and Cleveland. Continental has hubs here, in Houston, Newark, N.J., and Guam. Aside from its Chicago operation, United has hubs in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Hopkins is Continental's smallest mainland hub by a considerable margin. The airline averages more than 240 daily departures from Cleveland. But there is plenty of room to grow. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-5405 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1203154205288260.xml&coll=2
February 16, 200817 yr Why do you think Cleveland Hopkins will be hurt? Just curious... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 16, 200817 yr Why do you think Cleveland Hopkins will be hurt? Just curious... International flights are where the profitable airline routes. Cleveland (Continental) has nine (IIRC). I "think" that if continental and United merge, and Cleveland somehow survives. We'll lose the European routes we have and become a domestic connection hub. Meaning the new airline will put a ton of connecting traffic here, easing conjestion at Newark and O'Hare, while at the same time letting them internationally. They will then probably upgrade and add service to business destinations. Example replace RJ's with 737s on routes from CLE to Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta routes and add twice daily trips to West Coast cities not currently served from CLE. This way the unannounced, yet rumored (Frankfort, Amsterdam, Honolulu, Rome) flights that continental wants to add probably will never happen.
February 16, 200817 yr Thanks the for the explanation. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 18, 200817 yr This one was only a matter of time - reports started in early February, and my guess is that airlines started putting feelers out as soon as Delta and Northwest got serious. For Delta/NW there have been reports of promises from Delta the CVG hub will stay in tact (only time will tell how good those promises are), and hopefully for Ohio's sake there are some guarantees for Cleveland. The government scrutiny can help both, but I think both are going to be downsized some.
March 4, 200817 yr http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080229/laf003.html?.v=101 Continental Airlines Begins New Nonstop Service From Cleveland to Greensboro, Omaha and Savannah :clap: Friday February 29, 11:00 am ET New flights are part of expansion plan for Cleveland hub CLEVELAND, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL - News) on Monday will begin new daily nonstop service from its Cleveland hub at Hopkins International Airport to three new cities -- Greensboro, N.C.; Omaha, Neb.; and Savannah, Ga. The new cities are part of Continental's expansion program underway at Cleveland that will add 12 new domestic nonstop destinations this year, in addition to previously announced new service to Paris, France. Other new destinations from Cleveland will include Birmingham, Ala., Charleston, S.C., Green Bay, Wis., Tulsa, Okla., Little Rock, Ark., Memphis, Tenn., Lansing, Mich., Des Moines, Iowa and Kalamazoo, Mich. "Continental is pleased to be able to expand the range of destinations from our Cleveland hub with these new flights to Greensboro, Omaha and Savannah," said Robbie Anderson, senior director, Cleveland. "We will continue to add additional nonstop destinations from Cleveland over the next few months, including Paris, which will be the second city in Europe with nonstop service from Cleveland." The new flights to Greensboro will depart Cleveland each day at 11:45 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. Flights from Greensboro to Cleveland will depart at 6:41 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. A third round trip flight will be added on April 6, 2008. The daily flights to Omaha will depart Cleveland each day at 9:20 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. The flights from Omaha to Cleveland will depart at 7:35 a.m. and 11:35 a.m. A third daily flight will be added on May 4, 2008. The flight to Savannah will depart Cleveland at 11:30 a.m., with the return flight departing Savannah at 2:00 p.m. A second round trip flight will be added on April 7, 2008. Flights will be operated by 50-seat Continental Express regional jets. These jets come with individual reading lamps, individual air conditioning outlets, a full-size lavatory, storage for carry-on luggage and a wardrobe closet. Continental Express passengers receive efficient service and comfortable leather seating, along with advance seat assignments and OnePass frequent flyer miles that can be redeemed on Continental and partner airlines. Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,900 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 144 domestic and 139 international destinations. More than 550 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 69 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Continental Airlines
March 4, 200817 yr We still need a 8 -8:30PM bank of flight west and south so that people don't have to leave work in the middle of the day for travel.
March 7, 200817 yr It’s great when you can write about routes that weren’t there before – connective strands linking places that heretofore entailed connections, or a stop en route. Thus, these new runs from Continental Express out of its hub at Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE). Beginning Monday, March 2, there will be nonstop service from CLE to Greensboro (GSO), Omaha (OMAS), and Savannah (SAV) – all of them via 50-passenger regional jets. There will be a pair of Greensboro, and a like number of Omaha nonstops. Initially, there will be a single daily Cleveland to Savannah nonstop run. Assuming a possible merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines doesn’t change the lay of the land, look for a number of other new routes from Cleveland this year on Continental Express: Birmingham, AL (BHM); Charleston, SC (CHS); Green Bay (GRB), Tulsa (TUL), Little Rock (LIT), Memphis (MEM), Lansing (LAN), Des Moines (DSM), and Kalamazoo (AZO). Also on the horizon out of Cleveland, this time via Continental per se, is nonstop service to Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG). http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2008/02/trifecta-contin.html I also saw a blurb about potential new flights to Greenbrier/White Sulphur Springs, WV, DuBois, PA, and Franklin, PA, but there are no links.
March 11, 200817 yr http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/03/cleveland_airport_might_get_it.html Cleveland airport might get its own police department Posted by Henry J. Gomez March 11, 2008 11:44AM Categories: Breaking News After months of confusion and court battles, Cleveland officials might scrap plans to replace city police officers at Hopkins International Airport with a private security firm. City Councilman Kevin Kelley has introduced legislation that would give the airport its own police department. He said the concept is based on a special public utilities force that has arrest powers at the city's water, electric and sewer properties. The move could salvage Mayor Frank Jackson long-stalled proposal to shift 45 city officers from Hopkins to the streets. Cleveland's police union sued, arguing the mayor's plan violates the police contract and state law. Last month, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Fuerst sided with the union, ruling that the city could not give police authority to a private company. "I'm just speaking for myself, but I think that by the time an appeal would work its way through the courts, we could get this done," said Kelley, who chairs the council's Aviation and Transportation Committee. "I think this would be faster than waiting for the appeal."
March 17, 200817 yr Anyone know why United's B7 gate appears to be vacated? Is more gate reshuffling going to take place or is this turning into retail or something? This is a very depressing concourse-but at least the carpet matches and isn't patched with duct tape like the good ole days.
March 17, 200817 yr Anyone know why United's B7 gate appears to be vacated? Is more gate reshuffling going to take place or is this turning into retail or something? This is a very depressing concourse-but at least the carpet matches and isn't patched with duct tape like the good ole days. Is this across from Pierre's ice cream? humm.....I have no Idea. Well, Delta, United and SouthWest are on that concourse, so there isn't much to rave about to begin with. United has let its gate are deteriorate for years. I dread departing Cleveland on a United flight.
March 18, 200817 yr Yeah it's that one. Making more room for the upcoming renovations? Would United spend $$$ on improving its gates with the planned renovations by CLE? Being that UAL isn't in the best shape right now, I guess CLE is the last thing on its mind but if Continental and UAL go into an alliance together...Not merge but same "team"... Anyways, I just noticed it this weekend so I was wondering if anyone knew for certain. Back to work...
March 18, 200817 yr As you can see I too have not been paying attention. I only go to that terminal to buy Pierre's ice cream and look out of the observation deck windows while waiting on a flight, if I dont go the presidents club. I'll make a note to look the next time I depart/arrive on the united concourse.
March 21, 200817 yr Is the new Medical Mart/CC going to mean the end of the I-X center? And if so, could Cleveland use land to expand Hopkins for the long term? Or are the two CC's going to coexist like now? Just curious on people's thoughts.
March 21, 200817 yr Anyone know why United's B7 gate appears to be vacated? Is more gate reshuffling going to take place or is this turning into retail or something? This is a very depressing concourse-but at least the carpet matches and isn't patched with duct tape like the good ole days. That's interesting B7 isn't being used. My guess is that UAL's schedule is scattered enough at CLE it dosen't warrant using the gate. I also heard the A320's are being used to go to DEN again after it was all an RJ operation last winter.
March 21, 200817 yr Is the new Medical Mart/CC going to mean the end of the I-X center? And if so, could Cleveland use land to expand Hopkins for the long term? Or are the two CC's going to coexist like now? Just curious on people's thoughts. The plan is the new CC would mean the current IX would be obsolete. I know there were plans to close it permanently, yet I cannot remember the (approximate) closure date. Since the current management of the IX will not be running the NEW CC, who knows what that will mean. I see many of the current EXPO's moving downtown to a new center closer taking advantage of a more central location and spin off restaurants, entertainment.
March 21, 200817 yr I also heard the A320's are being used to go to DEN again after it was all an RJ operation last winter. I bet that was in response to continental upping their equipment to 737s.
March 23, 200817 yr Is the new Medical Mart/CC going to mean the end of the I-X center? And if so, could Cleveland use land to expand Hopkins for the long term? Or are the two CC's going to coexist like now? Just curious on people's thoughts. The plan is the new CC would mean the current IX would be obsolete. I know there were plans to close it permanently, yet I cannot remember the (approximate) closure date. Since the current management of the IX will not be running the NEW CC, who knows what that will mean. I see many of the current EXPO's moving downtown to a new center closer taking advantage of a more central location and spin off restaurants, entertainment. Well if the I-X center is abandoned once the new CC/MM is built, and along with the Ford casting plant in Brook Park probably ceasing ops around 2010, the entire area around the airport could reworked rather dramatically over the next 10 years. The I-X property could be used to build, say, a new terminal, and the Ford property could be used to build a few quaility hotels near the airport as opposed to having them at I-71 and Bagley Rd. or on the north side I-480 near Grayton, where most are located now. A "mass" of nice properties in the area might also help to kill that "porno" zone on Brookpark between Engle and W. 150th. Could Cleveland and Brookpark work together in trying to improve the area? Or are they still mortal enemies? :) CAL is gonna continue to move forward with its CLE expansion as more international airlines try to feed into Newark and the -ZNY airspace, and Hopkins regional position may actually be the strongest since deregulation with the PIT hub gone and CVG and DTW on the brink of floudering due to NW's and DAL's. financial position. (Ironically, as recently as 5 years ago CLE was the easily the weakest player.) I just hope Ricky Smith and Cleveland/Brookpark take advantage of what's playing out.
April 5, 200817 yr Compared to most airports--in terms of navigability and crowds, Hopkins is a God sent!
April 14, 200817 yr Compared to most airports--in terms of navigability and crowds, Hopkins is a God sent! Amen to that. I just flew back from Hawaii. LAX and ORD were a complete mess!
April 15, 200817 yr I've been waiting for this. Now let the "Cleveland hub goes" away when United - Continental merge talk begin! Continental Airlines Comments on Delta/Northwest Merger Announcement HOUSTON, April 15, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) released the following message to its more than 45,000 employees from Larry Kellner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Smisek, President, in response to last night's announcement that Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) have agreed to merge: Dear Co-worker, You have probably heard that Delta and Northwest Airlines last night announced plans to merge. This merger will change the competitive landscape for Continental and the entire airline industry. As we've said repeatedly for more than a year and a half, our preference has been to remain independent as long as the competitive landscape remained the same. However, the landscape is changing. We will review our strategic alternatives and make sure we remain a strong long-term competitor. As always, our goal is to do what is best for you, our co-workers, and our shareholders, customers and the communities we serve. One important result of last night's announcement is that it enables us to redeem the "Golden Share" that Northwest owns in Continental. We will also review our continued participation in the alliance with Northwest, Delta and SkyTeam, as we evaluate what course of action would be in Continental's best interest. We will communicate any changes that result from that review. As we consider our alternatives, we want to emphasize that we have great strengths. As you know, Continental is an industry-leading airline noted for our Working Together culture. We have an enviable position in the New York market, along with established hubs in Houston, Cleveland and Guam. Our newly acquired access to Heathrow improves our standing in the trans-Atlantic sector, and we have a comprehensive Latin America network and a growing portfolio of routes to India and Asia, including the major Japan and China markets. Continental has the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleet and best new aircraft order book among the major network carriers. And most importantly, we deliver award-winning service to our customers, thanks to your hard work every day. The proposed Delta/Northwest transaction is complex, and will be subject to shareholder approvals and a lengthy and rigorous regulatory review process before the transaction can close. During this period -- which will likely take at least six months -- the two airlines must continue to operate at arm's length as independent companies. Despite last night's news, and the speculation about our future that it will provoke, we all need to remain focused on what we do best every day: running a clean, safe and reliable airline with the best customer service provided by the best co-workers in the business. As we've always done in the past, we'll keep up our open, honest and direct communication with you as the future unfolds. As Continental considers its strategic alternatives, we will do what we need to do to continue our success and to protect the future of Continental Airlines in a rapidly changing airline industry. Thanks for all you do for Continental every day. Larry Jeff ~ Corporate Background 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 145 domestic and 138 international destinations. More than 550 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 69 million passengers per year. Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008 list of World's Most Admired Companies. 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. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not limited to historical facts, but reflect the company's current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For examples of such risks and uncertainties, please see the risk factors set forth in the company's 2007 10-K and its other securities filings, including any amendments thereto, which identify important matters such as the consequences of the company's significant financial losses and high leverage, the significant cost of aircraft fuel, its high labor and pension costs, service interruptions at one of its hub airports, disruptions in its computer systems, and industry conditions, including the airline pricing environment, industry capacity decisions, industry consolidation, terrorist attacks, regulatory matters, excessive taxation, the availability and cost of insurance, public health threats and the seasonal nature of the airline business. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE Continental Airlines http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/vendors/default.aspx?i=PRNEWS [bolding is mine for dramatic affect....discuss]
April 15, 200817 yr Seems like the exact correct response. Its too early at this point to have a feel where this will go. A lot of what Continental will have to do is based upon the variety of decisions that the new Delta makes in perhaps shutting down a hub or 2. Right now there doesn't seem like anything obvious Continental can or should do. But the other thing is all other airlines will also be altering their strategies now.
April 15, 200817 yr However, with NW and CO being so intertwined, what will happen to: – Codeshares – Combined Club lounges – Concourses – lucrative Credit Card Deals tied to each individual FF program (that alone is going to be a b*tch) – Fleet utilization (one reason continental has as an advantage, since they are all Boeing fleet) Will continental stay "alone" but remain a part of Skyteam? LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
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