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Washington startup Western plans scheduled jet service
Mary Kirby, Philadelphia (08Dec05, 19:46 GMT, 411 words)
US proposed startup Western Airlines is planning to launch scheduled passenger jet service from Bellingham airport in Washington State next year.
The company, which is headed by area businessmen Curt Tronsdal and Jerry Welsh, has adopted a name familiar to the industry; Delta Air Lines acquired the former Salt Lake City, Utah-based Western in 1987.
It has entered into an airport terminal lease with the Port of Bellingham to open its corporate offices at the regional airport, and plans to soon apply for federal certification.
Although Western has not chosen an aircraft type, or announced initial destinations, it has informed the port authority that it will offer all-jet, low-fare, premium service to passengers seeking travel alternatives to Seattle Tacoma (SeaTac) and Vancouver, British Columbia.
It is reportedly looking at airport destinations in Arizona, Nevada and Utah.
Vancouver is a major port of entry into the USA from Asia, while SeaTac is well served by many US carriers, and is home to Alaska Airlines.
Tronsdal has a commercial aviation background, and is heading up Western as its chairman. Welch, who is the startup’s president, is the owner and founder of Burlington, Washington-based Commercial Aircraft Interiors, a US FAA repair station for commercial aircraft interiors.
“Bellingham and the surrounding area are exploding in growth and opportunity,” says Tronsdal in a statement.
“Travelers from North Seattle up to British Columbia are very anxious for an airline alternative to SeaTac and Vancouver and an alternative to the ever increasing hassle of traffic congestion, crowds and the related problems of the large airport experience.
“The Port of Bellingham and Western Airlines share the same plan: these travelers will fly to and from Bellingham when given the choice. Western intends to give them that choice.”
Adds Welsh: “The trend in the airline industry continues toward low-fare, low-overheard, regional-based airlines with strategically selected routes - based essentially on a determination of the needs/wants of the air traveler in this region.
“The large carriers continue to suffer from enormous overhead, dwindling profits, declining employee morale and, not surprisingly, terrible customer service. Western will counter that with a highly efficient, low overhead, customer service oriented airline with flights to and from Bellingham and selected destinations.”
Port Commission president Doug Smith says the community has asked for additional air service. “Last year we added Allegiant Air service to Las Vegas, which has been very successful, and our passenger studies show there still is considerable unmet demand for flights to other destinations.”
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
Washington startup Western plans scheduled jet service
Mary Kirby, Philadelphia (08Dec05, 19:46 GMT, 411 words)
US proposed startup Western Airlines is planning to launch scheduled passenger jet service from Bellingham airport in Washington State next year.
The company, which is headed by area businessmen Curt Tronsdal and Jerry Welsh, has adopted a name familiar to the industry; Delta Air Lines acquired the former Salt Lake City, Utah-based Western in 1987.
It has entered into an airport terminal lease with the Port of Bellingham to open its corporate offices at the regional airport, and plans to soon apply for federal certification.
Although Western has not chosen an aircraft type, or announced initial destinations, it has informed the port authority that it will offer all-jet, low-fare, premium service to passengers seeking travel alternatives to Seattle Tacoma (SeaTac) and Vancouver, British Columbia.
It is reportedly looking at airport destinations in Arizona, Nevada and Utah.
Vancouver is a major port of entry into the USA from Asia, while SeaTac is well served by many US carriers, and is home to Alaska Airlines.
Tronsdal has a commercial aviation background, and is heading up Western as its chairman. Welch, who is the startup’s president, is the owner and founder of Burlington, Washington-based Commercial Aircraft Interiors, a US FAA repair station for commercial aircraft interiors.
“Bellingham and the surrounding area are exploding in growth and opportunity,” says Tronsdal in a statement.
“Travelers from North Seattle up to British Columbia are very anxious for an airline alternative to SeaTac and Vancouver and an alternative to the ever increasing hassle of traffic congestion, crowds and the related problems of the large airport experience.
“The Port of Bellingham and Western Airlines share the same plan: these travelers will fly to and from Bellingham when given the choice. Western intends to give them that choice.”
Adds Welsh: “The trend in the airline industry continues toward low-fare, low-overheard, regional-based airlines with strategically selected routes - based essentially on a determination of the needs/wants of the air traveler in this region.
“The large carriers continue to suffer from enormous overhead, dwindling profits, declining employee morale and, not surprisingly, terrible customer service. Western will counter that with a highly efficient, low overhead, customer service oriented airline with flights to and from Bellingham and selected destinations.”
Port Commission president Doug Smith says the community has asked for additional air service. “Last year we added Allegiant Air service to Las Vegas, which has been very successful, and our passenger studies show there still is considerable unmet demand for flights to other destinations.”
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
