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Saturday, December 15, 2012

Random Update on Airline Boardings in North Dakota -- Provided By a Reader

This was sent in as a comment but because not everyone reads the comments, I brought it forward as a stand-alone post.

Interesting numbers from airport boardings in North Dakota. Comments:
  • Williston's November numbers, now, are what Minot's monthly numbers were in 2009
  • Minot's boardings are decelerating but are still increasing even with Williston's increased jet service
  • Minot's numbers will probably surpass those of Bismarck by next year
  • with a new airport, Williston may challenge both Minot and Bismarck
  • Not sure why Dickinson's numbers are down for November (maybe cancellations?). Dickinson's numbers are still up for the year
  • the center of state (Jamestown, Devils Lake) is really hurting.
    Grand Forks is up because of service to Orlando and Phoenix which is intended to siphon off Winnipeg traffic, as well as cut back on Fargo siphoning Grand Forks' area
Link: http://legacy.grandforksherald.com/pdfs/November%202012%20Boardings.pdf

8 comments:

  1. Jamestown's numbers peaked at around 750 passengers per month, then Delta dropped Jamestown, and Devils Lake. Which were then picked up by Great Lakes which led to major problems as you can see by the numbers.

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    1. If you recall, plans are in the works for a new terminal in Minot which will have more gates than Fargo's airport. My understanding is Frontier is adding to service to Minot.

      I having been doing business in Williston and Minot for 6 years, first by traveling with clients to Williston and later my own ventures.

      One leading economic indicator I noticed: planes on the ground. Two summers we were 6th in line for gas at Williston airport, and the planes in front of us were Citations and King Air 2-engine prop jets; you can tell there was interest. When you land in Stanley and a Citation 2 is parked there, you know someone has an interest.

      But I notice it most in Minot. Two years ago we would see one or two smaller jets parked at the jetway. A month ago there were 8 jets parked.

      What was interesting was their value. There were 2 million-dollar Citation 2's, but a Gulfstream and a Citation X were among the mix. Lost in the shuffle were the little jets (the Citation 2 and Hawkers).

      On this day there we $60 million in private jets parked at the Minot FBO. This area is away from the commercial jet operations. So bigger jets and more of them tell me more activity is yet to come.

      Kent

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  2. Seems Minot would be a natural addition to United/Continental out of Houston.

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    Replies
    1. There is a nice "ring" to that: Houston - Minot - Continental (as in Continental Resources). Smile.

      Delete
  3. JMS has a new airport.

    Anon 1

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    1. You are correct; I did not know that. Ribbon cutting ceremony, December 16, 2011, or thereabouts:

      http://governor.nd.gov/media-center/news/dalrymple-celebrates-opening-jamestown-airports-new-passenger-terminal

      Thank you.

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  4. Minot benefits from the oil industry because it is closest airport to the Bakken that can handle the larger jets. With Williston prepping for their new airport, I imagine Williston will definately give Minot a run for passenger service. The majority of Minot's growth is because large jets cannot fly into Williston. Eventually larger jets will be able to fly directly into Williston, so I am thinking more of a Houston-Williston direct flight vs a Houston-Minot flight. Why fly into Minot and drive to Williston, if they would be able to fly directly into Williston? Dickinson's boardings are lacking because they are still stuck with Great Lakes as their only airline. Just like Williston was a month ago. If Dickinson could lure Delta and United jet service like Williston did, I'm guessing Dickinson's numbers would soar as well.

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    1. Wow, I have got to get back to Williston to see for myself what is going on. This is all quite amazing. Your comment and the previous one really help me out and the comments are much appreciated.

      I'm still living in the Williston/Minot that I grew up in. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Williston would "compete" with Minot at this level. It truly is incredible.

      One really has to give Willistonites a lot of credit for "surviving" through all this.

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