Comments on: A good merger for Michigan http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/a-good-merger-for-michigan/ Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:47:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Michael Holton http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/a-good-merger-for-michigan/#comment-10497 Michael Holton Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:14:08 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/a-good-merger-for-michigan/#comment-10497 I am impressed with your article but I too fear for airports that are not hubs. The cost of flying from Grand Rapids has led to the loss of job oportunities in my family. I am impressed with your article but I too fear for airports that are not hubs. The cost of flying from Grand Rapids has led to the loss of job oportunities in my family.

]]> By: Dana Baldwin http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/a-good-merger-for-michigan/#comment-10294 Dana Baldwin Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:37:09 +0000 http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/blog/a-good-merger-for-michigan/#comment-10294 Phil, with all due respect, and acknowledging you have made many good points pro-merger, there are definite drawbacks for some of us in the state. While Detroit (Airport City) may do well, the probability is that those of us in Western Michigan - yes, we count too! - will not do as well. The state's second biggest airport, Grand Rapids, is a destination, not a change point, so it is likely we will have fewer flights and/or smaller aircraft serving us in GR. This will mean fewer seats available per day, compounding a problem we have already experienced. In a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press, it was reported that over 500 people a day are driving somewhere else to catch a flight, and the number of seats out of GRR every day has dropped from roughly 4400 to about 3300. We will choke off economic activity if we can't fly in and out reasonably close to when we need to. Plus, we do not have a discount air carrier in GRR, as they are concerned that Northwest will simply lower fares to where even they can't make a profit. Please take into account the impacts of any merger on the West side of the state, too. Best, Dana Baldwin Phil, with all due respect, and acknowledging you have made many good points pro-merger, there are definite drawbacks for some of us in the state. While Detroit (Airport City) may do well, the probability is that those of us in Western Michigan - yes, we count too! - will not do as well. The state's second biggest airport, Grand Rapids, is a destination, not a change point, so it is likely we will have fewer flights and/or smaller aircraft serving us in GR. This will mean fewer seats available per day, compounding a problem we have already experienced. In a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press, it was reported that over 500 people a day are driving somewhere else to catch a flight, and the number of seats out of GRR every day has dropped from roughly 4400 to about 3300. We will choke off economic activity if we can't fly in and out reasonably close to when we need to. Plus, we do not have a discount air carrier in GRR, as they are concerned that Northwest will simply lower fares to where even they can't make a profit. Please take into account the impacts of any merger on the West side of the state, too.

Best,

Dana Baldwin

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