Start-Up Airline

[Ctash]

As I sit here reading a very complex start-up plan, I wonder about the direct aspects of the airline industry such as fuel costs, and plane costs. If an individual established technology that allows alternative fuels to be used in planes, everyone ranging from major airlines to flight passangers would be happy. Instead of $5 to $6 dollars a gallon, airlines' fuel cost would be cut in half to $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon. Could you imagine a jet being able to fly only using solar energy? Just a thought, hope it helps.

[ACMAir]

As I sit here reading a very complex start-up plan, I wonder about the direct aspects of the airline industry such as fuel costs, and plane costs. If an individual established technology that allows alternative fuels to be used in planes, everyone ranging from major airlines to flight passangers would be happy. Instead of $5 to $6 dollars a gallon, airlines' fuel cost would be cut in half to $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon. Could you imagine a jet being able to fly only using solar energy? Just a thought, hope it helps.

Actually, based on partially dated research, i recall the price of a gallon of jet A fuel to be under 4 dollars at most airports. There is an alternatiave fuel currently in testing, its made of jatropha plants.

[ACMAir]

Also, i think solar powered airliners would have a tough time getting approved by FAA.

[Manny4life]

Also, i think solar powered airliners would have a tough time getting approved by FAA.

Absolutely right. They would have more than a hard time getting approval from the FAA.

[Ctash]

Innovation breaks boundaries and pushes the envelope. Look at all the other transportation industries and the advancements that have been made. The airline industry has not engineered a cabin that can not withstand any type of impact.

[ACMAir]

Well, I love to believe that too, but we are talking years of research followed be years of development and stringent approval tests, then mass production, to the point where it would be economical for an airline to invest in converting its entire fleet into bio-fuel powered, or solar powered airliners. Its not feasible at this moment. I wouldn't doubt the possibility in the future, but not within the next 15 years.

[angle]

Hello
Traveling with a really young one? Currently, you do have the choice between carrying a child under two years old as a lap baby (no seat) on almost every airline, or purchasing a seat for your child. If you choose to purchase a seat, or chance it and try for an unoccupied seat for your child, the question then becomes whether you can bring the car seat you already own on board.

Having traveled with the under 2 set, I can tell you that it really can be confusing. And airlines are starting to restrict what you can check in for free, the types of strollers you can bring to the gate - and more. So let's look at what makes an infant car seat allow-able or not.

[richard13]

Hello
Fly First Class -- This Florida based air carrier is planning to use Wilmington, NC as its base. With flights to Bermuda and London planned, the airline -- true to its name -- will offer only one level of service, first class. Expected first flight is sometime during the second quarter of 2006.

Primaris Airlines -- Already FAA approved and the owner of a single Boeing 757 aircraft which they currently are leasing to another carrier, Primaris placed an order in January 2005 for Boeing's new Dreamliner aircraft, also known as the 787. Before the first of these particular aircraft arrive in 2008, Primaris reportedly will be leasing three additional 757 aircraft and begin scheduled service between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco by the middle of 2006.

Virgin America -- Pending government approval, Virgin America will fly upwards of 105 Airbus aircraft. Based in San Francisco, the Richard Branson inspired airline must overcome some hurdles first including convincing the US government that the airline is, indeed, mostly US owned.

Other start up carriers which are also being watched include: Blackstar Airlines, USA Jet Airlines, and Baltia Air Lines. All start ups must secure key funding, receive various federal and local governmental approvals, organize a management team, and commence hiring well before the first flight is made. It is this particular process that shakes out all the pretenders leaving behind carriers committed to making a go of it.

[Southern_Lenders]

Have you thought about helecopter charter service? Provide flight services to CEO's and other Executives or wealthy people to fly them quickly to and from business trips, or their vacation home in the Hamptons. These aren't cheap but are probably less than an air plane.

[Southern_Lenders]

Also look into these Airline start-ups that have failed:

Jet america
skybus
pogo air taxi
day jet

[ACMAir]

Southern_Lenders, I haven't really thought about helicopter services. My passions don't extend to helicopters. I will agree however, that it might be more effective, to be run like a taxi service, but I don't have numbers to back that up.

Also, I've heard of most of the airlines you have mentioned, of which all failed for the same reason. Lack of funding. And skybus, well, their pricing structure was nowhere near plausible with the fuel costs two years ago while it operated.

The main problem with a helicopter taxi service, or any taxi service, is the fact that you would have empty flights to pick passengers up. NetJets has that similar problem, however, they often market those flights, a few days or so in advance and sell them for cheap, knowing they are better off getting some revenue from that flight, than flying it empty to pick up their next client. Scheduled services often times prevent that problem.

[Chaseb731]

Here's a link that you guys might like.

Boeing: Commercial Airplanes - StartupBoeing - Starting an Airline