They said something a month or so ago that they were scaling it back.

 

Some new routes were cancelled before service started due to sales and the midway service from all continental hubs was cancelled.

That was quick, thanks. I wouldn't be surprised if they later announce that it is dead. It seems the regional jets are the first ones to go these days.

it can't be totally dead, they already opened several of the flights

it can't be totally dead, they already opened several of the flights

 

I'm not saying all, but I think two of the really small communities that continental was going to start service too - the service was axed before the announced start date.

 

I hope that makes sense.

they did open 4 or 5 of those routes already no?  I think it was just the remaining ones that they basically are deciding not to start.

My nonstop from FLL to CLE has gone up from $208 to $328. Actually I think that is still pretty reasonable.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/06/06FGCONTC.pdf

I don't know why people are complaining.  It's the price to pay when you are located in a Hub city. 

 

Those fares are still lower than similar markets like Chicago, LGA, Cinci or Boston.

Continental-ExpressJet deal bodes well for Hopkins International Airport

 

Continental to keep regional jets flying

 

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Alison Grant

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Continental Airlines has reached a deal with a regional jet company that could protect many of Continental's flights at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for years to come.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-4758

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business-6/1212827540320930.xml&coll=2

Smart move.

I'm surprised about LGA.

 

When ever I'm on a flight from LGA the flights are full. I bet people don't book because of the delays.  When ever I flight to or from LGA there is a delay.  I'm sure the same can be said of PHL and BOS.  Air traffic control in the NE is horrible.

Hey, did the mayor of Paris and a bevy of Parisian business leaders come to Cleveland on the first nonstop (May 23rd)?  If not, how could they pass on an opportunity like that?    :wink:

I flew from Cleveland to Orlando today via BWI.  Hopkins looked a bit more alive/colorful with more "media" on the walls.  I liked that.  Now, bring on the airmall.  Everyone was friendly, even the security guys.

 

BWI, apart from the Southwest area and and a few Airtran flights, was a tomb. 

 

 

Air traffic control in the NE is horrible.

 

God forgot to build enough sky for all our airplanes.... ;)

Oof.

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/06/continental_to_cut_hopkins_cap.html

Hopkins taking hits in Continental cuts

Posted by Alison Grant June 12, 2008 11:38AM

Categories: Aviation, Breaking News

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is taking the biggest percentage loss among Continental Airlines three domestic hubs, according to details just released by the carrier on its downsizing plan.

 

Continental said the reductions in flying nationwide "are among the many difficult steps Continental is taking to respond to record-high fuel prices that are creating unprecedented challenges for the airline industry."

 

Starting in September, at the conclusion of the peak summer season, Continental will reduce capacity from its hubs, resulting in an 11 percent decline of domestic mainline capacity in the fourth quarter, compared to the same period last year.

 

Estimated capacity will be cut 13 percent in Cleveland, about 8 percent in Houston and about 3 percent in Newark, N.J., where Continental has its other U.S. hubs.

 

Continental said it will eliminate service between Hopkins and Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Charleston, S.C.; Charleston, W. Va.; Cincinnati; Des Moines, Iowa; Detroit; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; Little Rock, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Omaha, Neb.; Ottawa, Canada; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego; Sarasota, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Toledo; Tulsa, Okla.; and Washington-Dulles.

"Continental said it will eliminate service between Hopkins and Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Charleston, S.C.; Charleston, W. Va.; Cincinnati; Des Moines, Iowa; Detroit; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; Little Rock, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Omaha, Neb.; Ottawa, Canada; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego; Sarasota, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Toledo; Tulsa, Okla.; and Washington-Dulles."

 

While I'm sure there's some niche market for the cities I've bolded, and I'm sure someone will be inconvenienced, those should be no-brainers.

"Continental said it will eliminate service between Hopkins and Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Charleston, S.C.; Charleston, W. Va.; Cincinnati; Des Moines, Iowa; Detroit; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; Little Rock, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn., Nashville, Tenn., Norfolk, Va.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Omaha, Neb.; Ottawa, Canada; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego; Sarasota, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Toledo; Tulsa, Okla.; and Washington-Dulles."

 

While I'm sure there's some niche market for the cities I've bolded, and I'm sure someone will be inconvenienced, those should be no-brainers.

 

All those markets, except San Diego are served by regional jets, with I assume pretty low yeilds.  Great continental..just great!

Those cities in bold should be linked to Cleveland with fast choo-choos, just like they would be in Europe. The $15 billion Amtrak capital investment bill Congress passed yesterday could help, but there's a $100 billion backlog of unfunded rail projects nationwide. As they say, it's a start.

I think that Cincinnati and Detroit would have been eliminated regardless. Regional flights to those cities from CLE are operated by Delta and NW.

I think that Cincinnati and Detroit would have been eliminated regardless. Regional flights to those cities from CLE are operated by Delta and NW.

 

and once they merge, those flights will be decreased.  there are just some stations that don't don't make money.  I expect, similar cuts to the same cities from other airlines.

What do you all think of keeping air fuel prices at a price they were a couple years ago and charging $7+/gallon for automobile gas? Now I'm car free but it will take Amtrak some time to turn things around and it'd be nice to keep airfare at a reasonalbe  price...  Just wondering...

In the grander scheme of things, this isn't really that bad. They just yanked the expansion for the most part. Hell I was surprised only seasonal San Diego was yanked from the west coast.  EWR lost a TATL, and really Houston got the big screw, IMHO with a 7 percent reduction in capacity.

 

Cleveland still keeps seasonal London and Paris, and a fighting chance to get those smaller flights back.

 

Wait and see what gets chopped from Cincinnati and Memphis in 18 months with the DL/NWA merger in full swing (look at Pittsburgh, now)...trust me, Cleveland folks wont be too complaining much.

 

The state should get whatever money they put into the expansion back, though.

As promised, this thread was pruned of posts unrelated to the main topic.

I missed what was pruned, so I hope this isn't off topic too...

 

But yes, I think we should all be breathing a sigh of relief.  While it's never good news to have service reductions, it really could have been worse.  As MTS an AmrampinVA mentioned, a large percentage (half?) of these flights were those announced in the expansion (some of which are literally just starting today/this week), and the rest were flights with insanely low yields (CLE-TUL ~25%) or money losers (Sarasota).  And as Ricky Smith mentioned, we lost the fewest seat miles by a large margin compared to EWR and IAH...although we did have significantly fewer to begin with. Status quo ante.

 

AND YET...the PD says "Hopkins Hit Hard".  :wtf:

While not completely factually inaccurate I suppose, something such as "Hopkins Spared Large Cuts" or "Continental Hub to Remain Strong" or "Continental Eliminating Unprofitable Routes" would be just as factually accurate.  It is just astonishing taht the PD continues to frame such announcements with the most negative approach possible.  Compare that to the Houston Chronicle (www.chron.com), where they're losing FOUR TIMES the number of seat miles.  Just incredible.

 

But the real question of the day: What happens to the grants given by the State for the axed service expansions?  Are they able to be deferred?

The "yanked" regional flights from the expansion have provided feed to augment CLE's mainline services and were also intended to relieve Newark.  Maybe with the capacity cuts, Newark does not need as much relief.  Also, from the statistics, it looked like Cleveland "fared" the worst (ouch/pun) losing 13 percent of its capacity, most of which was the 10% added in the expansion and a "wee bit more".  It makes me wonder how the new regional services from the expansion were actually doing and to what degree the marketing incentive program announced months ago applied to any of these flights.  What hurts me is the destination count.  I will have lost my long awaited Ottawa nonstop, barely having had the chance to use it.  And, this is only the first shoe to drop.

I agree with the news coverage. No wonder PD readers think Cleveland is swirling the drain with such an approach to blood-letting coverage like that.

 

But the real question of the day: What happens to the grants given by the State for the axed service expansions? Are they able to be deferred?

 

I asked Kevin Kelley, chairman of council's aviation and transportation committee, that question today. His answer is that the state grants will likely expire and have to be sought again at some point in the future.

After the reductions, Cleveland's share of ASM's for the three U.S. hubs will have dropped to 5.6% from 6.1%, so CLE did get hit somewhat hard in this instance.

 

Newark's share went up to 51.1% from 49.7%.

Houston's share dropped to 43.2% from 44.2%.

Ouch, I'm losing a bunch of direct flights to places where I would fly. Nashville--in-laws; Memphis--last city of residence/bunch of friends there; Austin--where my wife is from, a lot of her relatives still live there and fly to Cleveland for a "real" Christmas.

 

 

Looking at this chart, some of those routes should have been cute!

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/pdgraphics/2008/06/13FGCONT.pdf

 

You can't make a profit, let alone break even on flights that are less that 90% filled.

 

Also, some routes cannot be attributed to Cleveland's performance as Continental is closing 15 stations.  16 if you include the already closed midway Station.

You can non-stop to Nashville on Southwest.

 

I believe that NW will still keep their Cleveland flight(s) to Memphis. Although, I thought they were yanking theirs for the CAL service. I can't remember.

 

Austin will definitely be a one-hopper now.

I know the "merger" with United was only a tease.  I knew this would happen.  Good for me, but bad for many others.

 

Our analyst think this announcement is a) a United conceding they are poorly run and we will see a "leaner" United going forward and b) that USAir is in a death spiral as Continental would not come to the table as a "third" chair. 

 

Now what does this mean for Cleveland?  United & Continental go head to head on many business routes and the Cleveland-Chicago routes are some of the most profitable. 

---

Continental Airlines and United Airlines Announce Comprehensive Plan for Global Cooperation; Continental Plans to Join Star Alliance

 

CHICAGO, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) and United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAUA) today announced a framework agreement to cooperate extensively, linking their networks and services worldwide to the benefit of customers, and creating revenue opportunities and cost savings and other efficiencies. In addition, Continental plans to join United in the Star Alliance, the most comprehensive airline alliance in the world.

 

"Continental's plan to partner with United and join the Star Alliance will provide substantial new opportunities for all of our customers," said Larry Kellner, chairman and CEO of Continental. "In a network business, there is significant value gained from linking with larger networks to provide truly national coverage and expanded global reach, and exploring new ways to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. As we experience some of the most challenging conditions airlines have ever faced, we look forward to the benefits of a new relationship with United and the other Star Alliance members."

 

Teams from the two organizations worked intensively over the last several weeks exploring creative solutions for how the two companies could achieve efficiencies and synergies that expand beyond the well-established benefits of codesharing. Their work focused on plans for significant cooperation on frequent flier programs, lounges, facility utilization, information technology and procurement. This work was assisted by the efficiency opportunities identified and relationships developed during the parties' earlier merger discussions.

 

"The teams worked well together to identify opportunities to create a unique and competitive partnership extending well beyond a traditional code share agreement," said Glenn Tilton, chairman, president and CEO of United. "On behalf of the Star Alliance, I am very pleased to invite Continental to join as a member. Continental will bring significant new assets to our global alliance, and our two companies will work together effectively with our partners to provide the best overall network in America and the world."

 

Kellner and Tilton are meeting in Chicago this afternoon to sign a framework agreement outlining the systemwide alliance and cooperation principles between their carriers.

 

Antitrust Immunized Joint Ventures

 

Through this new partnership, Continental and United plan to establish joint ventures allowing them to cooperate with each other and with other Star Alliance airlines in international regions and compete more effectively in an increasingly global air travel market.

 

Initially, Continental will request the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to allow it to join United -- along with Lufthansa, Air Canada and six other carriers -- in their already established antitrust immunized alliance. This will enable Continental, United, Lufthansa, Air Canada and other immunized Star Alliance carriers to work closely together as other antitrust immunized alliances do, and to establish trans-Atlantic and other international joint ventures so they can deliver highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service. The planned trans-Atlantic joint venture, in which Continental, United, Lufthansa and Air Canada will pool revenue, will permit the carriers to compete more effectively with the proposed joint venture involving certain SkyTeam members that was recently granted antitrust immunity. The trans-Atlantic joint venture will combine the strength of the carriers to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Atlantic network for the carriers' customers.

 

Joint ventures are also planned for the Latin America and Asia/Pacific regions, involving Continental, United and other members of the Star Alliance. Both antitrust immunity and code-sharing are subject to receipt of approvals from applicable national authorities.

 

Domestic Codesharing and Frequent Flier/Lounge Reciprocity

 

Continental's and United's route networks are highly complementary, with little overlap, so they add value to each other and to customers who are planning domestic and international itineraries.

 

In the United States domestic market, where antitrust immunity for solely domestic travel would not apply, the two airlines plan to begin broad code-sharing, which facilitates the creation of itineraries using both carriers, as well as frequent Flier program, elite customer recognition and airport lounge reciprocity. These cooperative activities are subject to regulatory notice to applicable authorities and Continental exiting certain of its current alliance relationships. Under code-sharing, customers will benefit from a coordinated process for reservations/ticketing, check-in, flight connections and baggage transfer.

 

Frequent flier reciprocity will allow members of Continental's OnePass program and United's Mileage Plus program to earn miles in their accounts when flying on either partner airline and redeem awards on both carriers. Travel on either carrier will count toward elite customer recognition. Similarly, each carrier's customers will have access to both Continental's Presidents Club network and United's Red Carpet Club network of airport lounges.

 

Continental Joining Star Alliance

 

Continental's plans to join the Star Alliance and the other planned cooperation are subject to receipt of certain regulatory and other approvals and the termination of certain contractual relationships, including Continental's existing agreements with SkyTeam members that restrict its participation in another global alliance. Continental intends to terminate its existing agreements with SkyTeam members and obtain the necessary approvals to enter the Star Alliance, although Continental may not be successful, and the time period for doing so may be out of Continental's control. For example, a principal contractual restriction will not terminate until nine months after the closing of the proposed Delta/Northwest merger. Continental intends to transition out of SkyTeam and into the Star Alliance in a customer friendly manner.

 

Joining the Star Alliance will connect Continental with United and 19 other airlines around the world. Within Star, frequent Fliers enjoy reciprocity with respect to both mileage accrual and redemption among the member airlines. The airlines also reciprocally recognize elite status, and provide access to the worldwide network of lounges operated by the Star Alliance airlines.

 

About the Star Alliance

 

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. Star Alliance received the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award in 2008 and was voted Best Airline Alliance by Business Traveller Magazine in 2003, 2006 and 2007 and by Skytrax in 2003, 2005 and 2007. The members are Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Regional member carriers Adria Airways (Slovenia), Blue1 (Finland) and Croatia Airlines enhance the global network. Air India and EgyptAir have been accepted as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers nearly 18,000 daily flights to 965 destinations in 162 countries.

 

About Continental

 

Continental Airlines provides more than 3,100 flights a day on Continental and Continental Express to more than 280 U.S. and international destinations from its hubs in New York/Newark, Houston, Cleveland and Guam. Continental is the world's fifth largest airline, with routes throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. With more than 45,000 employees, Continental carries approximately 69 million passengers per year. For more company information, visit http://continental.com.

 

About United

 

United Airlines provides more than 3,200 flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United's 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company's Web site at http://united.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. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include receipt of various regulatory approvals, successful negotiation of documents implementing the planned alliances, Continental exiting certain of its current alliance relationships, and other approvals. Please read Continental's current report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2008 for additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties. 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; United Airlines

 

CONTACT:

Continental Corporate Communications, +1-713-324-5080; or United Worldwide Press Office, +1-312-997-8640

 

https://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/vendors/default.aspx?i=PRNEWS

These are going to become practical monopolies esp. if the Delta/Northwest merger goes through.

In my inbox about ten minutes ago:

 

Dear musky,

 

As a valued Mileage Plus member, we wanted you to be among the first to hear that Continental and United today announced plans to cooperate globally, linking our networks and services worldwide to deliver new benefits to you. In addition, Continental plans to join United in the Star Alliance®, the most comprehensive airline alliance in the world.

 

Once implemented, this new partnership, will easily enable you to take advantage of the resources of both airlines to enhance your overall travel experience, and receive more value from your Mileage Plus membership.

 

First and foremost, this partnership will include new frequent flier reciprocity that will enable you to earn miles when flying on either airline and redeem awards on both carriers. Travel on either carrier will count toward earning elite status. Similarly, members of either airline's airport lounge program will have access to both Continental's Presidents Club network and United's Red Carpet Club® lounges.

 

Second, together with Continental, we will be able to offer you a more comprehensive domestic route network and together with our Star Alliance partners, greater choice of service throughout the entire world.

 

Starting in the U.S., you are going to see United and Continental develop extensive code-sharing that will facilitate travel whenever your itinerary involves both carriers. We will be able to provide you with a coordinated process for reservations/ticketing, check-in, flight connections and baggage transfer.

 

Internationally, Continental and United will establish joint ventures that will allow us to cooperate with each other and with other Star Alliance airlines throughout the world. These joint ventures will enable us to provide you with highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service to more destinations than we do today.

 

In short, once regulatory approval is obtained, this new partnership between United and Continental will expand your choice of flights and destinations, and improve your ability to earn both miles and elite status in Mileage Plus. Together we will offer you more value whenever you fly. We expect to bring you the benefits of our cooperation starting some time  in 2009, and until then, we will keep you informed about our progress.

 

We appreciate you and your business, and we look forward to seeing you on your next flight.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Robert Sahadevan

Vice President – Mileage Plus

 

The funny thing is.  All this "speculation" is just that - speculation. 

 

This all has to be approved in the US and by the European Union.

 

If approved, Continental, still has to live out their current, seperate, agreements with NW and Skyteam.

As a side note: Did we lose a couple months of posts from this thread?  I'm thinking all the discussion re: Continental's cutbacks at CLE.

 

EDIT: NM, just found the other "Cleveland Hopkins" thread.  Mods, any chance of merging the two?

I would have felt better if Continental had axed some of the "expansion" routes and continued operating others.  This feels more like a strategy change, beyond purely the cost of oil.  Hopkins expansion may be heading for the abandoned projects section.  I hope I'm wrong.

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/07/continental_partner_adds_five.html

 

Continental partner adds five routes from Hopkins

Posted by Alison Grant July 17, 2008 12:55PM

Categories: Aviation, Breaking News

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is gaining five new destinations that a Continental Airlines regional carrier will fly to with turboprop planes.

 

Gulfstream International Airlines will begin Beech 1900 turboprop service from Cleveland to Dubois and Franklin/Oil City, Pa., and Greenbrier/Lewisburg/White Sulfur Springs, W.Va., on Sept. 3. On Oct. 1 it will launch service to Bradford, Pa., and Jamestown, NY.

 

 

 

although I hate little planes because of the leg room, this is one of my favorite planes to ride in as you can sit behind the pilot and actually feel as though you're in the cockpit.  It's super cool to watch the plane land or take off.

---

Gulfstream International Airlines Announces Aircraft Sales, Capacity Adjustments and New Cleveland Flying

Wednesday July 2, 3:30 pm ET

 

 

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Gulfstream International Airlines, Inc. (the ``Airline''), a subsidiary of Gulfstream International Group, Inc. (``Gulfstream'') (AMEX:GIA - News), today announced plans to reduce capacity within its Florida-based route system as well as add new flights from Cleveland to several markets operated under the Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service program.

 

The capacity reductions will come as a result of implementing Gulfstream's previously-announced plan to sell the Airline's eight (8) EMB-120 30-passenger aircraft. The Airline expects to complete the sale of seven (7) of the aircraft by August 15, 2008, pursuant to an Aircraft Purchase and Sale Agreement entered into on June 26, 2008. The Airline is in the process of negotiating a sale of the eighth aircraft and anticipates its sale in the near future. The Airline expects to have all EMB-120's out of service by August 1, 2008. The sale of the fleet of EMB-120 aircraft is expected to result in the elimination of approximately $7.3 million of long-term debt and improve Gulfstream's cash position by approximately $4.0 million.

 

 

In conjunction with reduced capacity in its Florida-based route system, Gulfstream is announcing the addition of several new routes from Continental Airlines' hub in Cleveland, Ohio. Effective September 3, 2008, the Airline will inaugurate service from Cleveland to DuBois, Pennsylvania; Franklin/Oil City, Pennsylvania; and Greenbrier/Lewisburg/White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. These flights will be available for sale effective July 12, 2008. Additionally, the Airline will add service from Cleveland to Bradford, Pennsylvania and Jamestown, New York, effective October 1, 2008. These flights will be available for sale effective July 26, 2008

 

All of the new routes will be flown under the Airline's ``Continental Connection'' affiliation with Continental Airlines. Under this arrangement, the Airline coordinates pricing and schedules with Continental Airlines. The Airline's passengers enjoy a seamless travel experience as through ticketing and baggage transfer is offered. The Airline's passengers may participate in the Continental OnePass Frequent Flyer program and may book their flights and select their seats via Continental's website, http://www.Continental.com.

 

``Gulfstream is delighted to bring Continental Connection service to the communities of DuBois, Franklin, Lewisburg, Bradford and Jamestown. We are tremendously excited to expand our relationship with Continental Airlines from its Cleveland hub. We look forward to expanding our base of operation outside of Florida and the Bahamas. We believe that all of these communities will benefit from our convenient and reliable service,'' said Mr. Hackett..

 

 

 

Contact:

          Gulfstream International Group, Inc.

          Robert M. Brown, Chief Financial Officer

          (954) 985-1500 (x236)

 

 

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

Source: Gulfstream International Airlines Inc.

 

http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/080702/145754.html

Continental's Shanghai flights to start March 25, 2009

 

Posted by Plain Dealer Business Staff August 13, 2008 11:51AM

Categories: Aviation, Breaking News

 

Continental Airlines will launch daily flights to Shanghai in March 2009, connecting Cleveland to China's financial gateway with one-stop, one-check-in service.

 

The carrier will begin nonstop service March 25, 2009, from its Newark, N.J., hub. Cleveland fliers will be connected with "through service" to Shanghai, meaning they'll check-in at Hopkins International Airport and connect to the nonstop service in Newark. Seats went on sale today.

 

Continental's Shanghai flights also will feature special services, including:

 

• Popular movies in Mandarin and English on the

inflight entertainment system.

 

• Audio channel dedicated to traditional and popular Chinese music.

 

• Menus in English and Chinese and meals that include Chinese choices.

 

• A Mandarin-speaking flight attendant to help travelers inflight and Mandarin-speaking agents to assist at check-in.

 

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/08/continentals_shanghai_flights.html

 

 

 

 

^Great news!!

So Newark gets a one-seat flight to Shanghai and Cleveland reaches it with a connecting flight. Other than the check-in service, what makes this so special for Cleveland and how is this any different than for all the other cities in the U.S. which have flights to Newark?? I don't see what the big deal is for us.

So Newark gets a one-seat flight to Shanghai and Cleveland reaches it with a connecting flight. Other than the check-in service, what makes this so special for Cleveland and how is this any different than for all the other cities in the U.S. which have flights to Newark?? I don't see what the big deal is for us.

 

It's probably not a huge boon other than it seems to make it more convenient for travelers from Cleveland to connect to Shanghai, which could be a positive for Cleveland in the long run?

^^ Exactly what I was thinking but I didn't want to be the one to say it.

^^^Does it mean that you check in at Hopkins, board the planed, stop at Newark, pick up some more passengers, then you are on your way?  No getting off of the plane.  That is at least the way I read it.

That's what I used to think. But all indications since suggest that's not the case. I'll guess we'll have to see.

From what we've heard, I think you'll have to change planes in Newark.  If this is such a good thing for the business community, why don't we have this "through service" to European cities, aside from a few months of LGW/CDG non-stops.  How about something to Delhi or Mumbai?  Was this just a ploy to get the n/s to Newark--making it seem like the route serves CLE and the midwest too?  Otherwise, wouldn't we see this on more intl routes?

Oh there will definitely be plane changes in Newark. This is being operated by a 777-200ER, a widebody only seen rarely when Cleveland is used as a diversion point. It will likely be a 737-800 on the CLE-EWR leg.

 

Flights to China are extremely regulated so even getting a "through" flight puts Cleveland at an advantage to regional markets like Detroit, Minneapolis, Philly, Pittsburgh and Cincy that have only regular connection service. At least, now, you have seamless check-in and bag check. Business travelers really do appreciate the small things that make life easier.

 

"Through" Cleveland TATL flights are nearly worthless because of the amount of flights available from the East Coast and the Midwest.

 

It's a small gesture, but it also shows CAL is still committed to Cleveland. It would have taken no effort or FAA convincing to remove the Cleveland leg.

 

As for real non-stops to Asia, Cleveland needs more concrete.

 

 

 

So, the "through" aspect to CLE added a little extra boost to Continental being awarded this route?  I'm wondering what's so different, technically, flying CLE-ORD-PVG on UAL or BUF-EWR-PVG  as you'd check your bags at your originating airport, changes aircraft at the hub, then retrieve your bags in PVG.  With the through service at least you're not sitting in an airport for 7 hours-it's an efficient layover.       

 

This looks really glamorous for CLE and NEO as it shows on Continental's website a n/s fro CLE-PVG with a connection in fine print.  We'll take anything we can at CLE regarding mainline/intl-superficial or not.  Hell, they might even post it on the screens in the airport!  Anyways I hope this does well as the UAL IAD-PEK flight is being cancelled (that was one to beat Continentals first attempt at EWR-PVG) and SFO-China expansion is being scaled back.  So much for the official airline of the Olympics and my uncle's employer...

 

One thing...I don't see how we'll ever be at an advantage vs Detroit and Philly.  ESPECIALLY Detroit.  They have dozens of daily year round intl flights.  Cincy, Pitt, Columbus, Indy, and Milwaukee sure!

So, the "through" aspect to CLE added a little extra boost to Continental being awarded this route?  I'm wondering what's so different, technically, flying CLE-ORD-PVG on UAL or BUF-EWR-PVG  as you'd check your bags at your originating airport, changes aircraft at the hub, then retrieve your bags in PVG.  With the through service at least you're not sitting in an airport for 7 hours-it's an efficient layover.       

 

This looks really glamorous for CLE and NEO as it shows on Continental's website a n/s fro CLE-PVG with a connection in fine print.  We'll take anything we can at CLE regarding mainline/intl-superficial or not.  Hell, they might even post it on the screens in the airport!  Anyways I hope this does well as the UAL IAD-PEK flight is being cancelled (that was one to beat Continentals first attempt at EWR-PVG) and SFO-China expansion is being scaled back.  So much for the official airline of the Olympics and my uncle's employer...

 

One thing...I don't see how we'll ever be at an advantage vs Detroit and Philly.  ESPECIALLY Detroit.  They have dozens of daily year round intl flights.  Cincy, Pitt, Columbus, Indy, and Milwaukee sure!

 

Philly and Detroit don't have non-stops to China. Even "through" non-stops. Again...China traffic is different, at least currently, than England, France or even Japan.

 

I believe Federal Inspections/Customs will be handled in Cleveland instead of Newark too. Whereas..BUF-IAD-PEK...would be done in Dulles then you fly Buffalo.

 

I know routes to China are regulated. 

 

I didn't think that Philly had a China flight but I thought Detroit was applying for a route or two...I thought that China Eastern? may even try to fly there? 

 

Anyways, just checked for fun but LGW and CDG are in the system next year already!  Beginning in May again!  Nice to see that even though things may change, it's been thought about by someone at CAL!

Few get to airport by bus, train

 

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-08-03-airport-transit_N.htm

 

Updated 8/4/2008

By Thomas Frank, USA TODAY

 

WASHINGTON — The USA may have the world's largest airport network, but it lags far behind Europe and Asia in getting passengers to and from airports on public transit, a new report shows.

At many of the USA's largest airports, more than 90% of passengers arrive or leave in taxis or private cars, according to a report by the Transportation Research Board, a government-funded research group. In Europe and Asia, some airports see two-thirds of passengers using trains, buses or shared vans.

 

The heavy reliance of airport-bound travelers on cars concerns aviation experts who say it may hinder airport expansions because the cars add to emissions that the government factors in when deciding on a new runway or terminal. "Regulators are going to care more about vehicles driving to the airport," said Dick Marchi, policy chief at the Airports Council International.

 

Trains and buses are usually much cheaper than taking a taxi or driving a car and parking in an airport lot, said Stephen Van Beek, president of the Eno Transportation Foundation, a Washington, D.C., research group.

 

The report says some U.S. airports don't make public transit a priority.

 

At Philadelphia International Airport, commuter trains stop near the terminal. But only 3% of airline passengers use them, largely because of infrequent service, the board says. Another 4% take buses and vans.

 

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport also has trains that stop at the terminal. But use has fallen to 2% because air travelers think it's slow and costly, the report says.

 

In Oslo, however, 39% of air travelers use trains that travel at 95 mph, making a 30-mile trip between the airport and downtown in 19 minutes. Another 25% of Oslo's passengers take a bus or van.

 

In the USA, "most people think of a bus as a dirty, smelly thing for poor people to get around the inner city," Marchi said.

 

The report says many U.S. airports are spread out, making them hard to serve with trains and buses. The airports also provide little information on their websites about mass-transit options, focusing instead on flight status, the report adds. On the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol website, travelers can compare the cost of taxis and trains to nearby towns.