Omaha Eppley Airfield - DISCUSSION

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Wed Jun 17, 2020 5:12 pm

May down 89% year-over-year, down 48.6% year to date. Traffic was up nearly 3 times over April though.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:50 am

That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 2:30 pm

I'll be flying out tomorrow, happy to give a recap of what its like.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 3:46 pm

June was down -77.5% over last June and 54.1% year to date. Traffic was up more than double compared to May.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... stated.pdf

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:44 pm

Per the AP today, the IATA is pushing back it's prediction on global air travel recovering to pre-pandemic numbers to 2024.

https://apnews.com/73b55c3da0a07012f20b ... _medium=AP

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:54 pm

Mr.Nuke wrote: Wed Jul 22, 2020 3:46 pm June was down -77.5% over last June and 54.1% year to date. Traffic was up more than double compared to May.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... stated.pdf

June the past two years (18 & 19) that I've documented has been the busiest month of the year so the -77.5% isn't surprising despite the jump in travel. Given the resurgence of the Covid, I'm guessing July will dip again.

My current prediction, halfway through the year, is a little over 3 million passengers going through OMA if the numbers hold around the -54% figure.

NUub · Post by **NUub** » Tue Jul 28, 2020 11:02 pm

Flying right now is not very stressful. You wear a mask everywhere, the airports are not very crowded, and depending on the airline (American can be full) you are probably not packed in there either. Put the overhead air on to keep that fresh air coming if it makes you feel better insulated from any stagnant ambient variety. I think they all use HEPA filters. Don't plan on having a ton of options at the airport for your connecting flight either.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:36 pm

NUub wrote: Tue Jul 28, 2020 11:02 pm Flying right now is not very stressful. You wear a mask everywhere, the airports are not very crowded, and depending on the airline (American can be full) you are probably not packed in there either. Put the overhead air on to keep that fresh air coming if it makes you feel better insulated from any stagnant ambient variety. I think they all use HEPA filters. Don't plan on having a ton of options at the airport for your connecting flight either.

I had to fly American last month and it was packed to the bejeezus.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Wed Jul 29, 2020 6:16 pm

NUub wrote: Tue Jul 28, 2020 11:02 pm Flying right now is not very stressful. You wear a mask everywhere, the airports are not very crowded, and depending on the airline (American can be full) you are probably not packed in there either. Put the overhead air on to keep that fresh air coming if it makes you feel better insulated from any stagnant ambient variety. I think they all use HEPA filters. Don't plan on having a ton of options at the airport for your connecting flight either.

I have a trip planned to Oregon in mid-August so I'll see what SWA is like. Supposedly they are blocking the middle seats. Good to know about connection airports though, better bring extra snacks.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:32 am

Just saw that KETV is going to have a story tomorrow night on the 10 pm newscast about Eppley and the terminal expansion.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 1:09 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:32 am Just saw that KETV is going to have a story tomorrow night on the 10 pm newscast about Eppley and the terminal expansion.

Saw that too. Set my DVR to record in case I miss it. Will be interesting if they have anything definitive or just speculation.

Greg

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 1:21 pm

Greg S wrote: Thu Jul 30, 2020 1:09 pm
Bearcat06 wrote: Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:32 am Just saw that KETV is going to have a story tomorrow night on the 10 pm newscast about Eppley and the terminal expansion.
Saw that too. Set my DVR to record in case I miss it. Will be interesting if they have anything definitive or just speculation.

Greg

My thoughts exactly. Though, since they are devoting airtime, I would think it will be substantive.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 4:52 pm

Unless they can see the future at best they can report on the airport authority meeting agendas. Based on those we won't have plans till the first of the year at best. But hey, some intern got to write something.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:57 am

Bob from Omaha wrote: Thu Jul 30, 2020 4:52 pm Unless they can see the future at best they can report on the airport authority meeting agendas.

It depends on what you are looking for (new renderings, odds are slim), but I disagree. If they interview anyone from the airport authority there is the potential for significantly more information than anything the meeting agendas have provided since the last major OWH article i.e. what their actual timeline looks like/if they plan on proceeding as schedule. We've typically received a significant amount of our information re: the terminal plans from the airport authority through the media and not necessarily the airport authority itself. The airport board agendas themselves haven't been particularly insightful in my opinion.

edit: fixed a couple of typos.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:15 am

The Omaha airport authority has unanimously voted to pause design work on the terminal per KETV. Design work had reached 30% prior to pausing.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:25 am

Design work has been paused by a unanimous vote of the planning board. 30% of the design work has been completed. They said because ground hasn't been broken (plans haven't even been completed) that Eppley could learn from others and have the first pandemic-prood airport.

All in all, doesn't sound promising. The 80's are likely here to stay for awhile.

GrowUpFrances · Post by **GrowUpFrances** » Fri Aug 07, 2020 2:40 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:25 am The 80's are likely here to stay for awhile.

Bummer

I know these are uncertain times, but I was really hoping for more positive news. It's depressing to think that the first impression of our city for many visitors, business executives and so on will continue to be underwhelming/stuck-in-the-past for the foreseeable future.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:20 pm

Mr.Nuke wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:15 am The Omaha airport authority has unanimously voted to pause design work on the terminal per KETV. Design work had reached 30% prior to pausing.

The dumpster fire of pandemic laden 2020 has affected plans once again..

This is no surprise though...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **BRoss** » Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:40 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:20 pm
Mr.Nuke wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:15 am The Omaha airport authority has unanimously voted to pause design work on the terminal per KETV. Design work had reached 30% prior to pausing.
The dumpster fire of pandemic laden 2020 has affected plans once again..

This is no surprise though...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

When I originally heard that there were "exit ramps" for bailing on this, I had a bad feeling that would happen somehow. I just never imagined we would end up in a situation like we are seeing today.

I really hope it will start back up again in a year or two.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Aug 07, 2020 5:46 pm

HR Paperstacks wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:40 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:20 pm
Mr.Nuke wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:15 am The Omaha airport authority has unanimously voted to pause design work on the terminal per KETV. Design work had reached 30% prior to pausing.
The dumpster fire of pandemic laden 2020 has affected plans once again..

This is no surprise though...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
When I originally heard that there were "exit ramps" for bailing on this, I had a bad feeling that would happen somehow. I just never imagined we would end up in a situation like we are seeing today.

I really hope it will start back up again in a year or two.

Right.. Neither did I...

Agreed!...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:40 am

It is happening everywhere. This was in the news down here the other day.

Tampa airport planning staff buyouts, ‘three to four years’ for recovery

As the airline industry braces for a years-long recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Tampa International Airport on Thursday laid out budget shortfalls and cuts it’ll see into 2021 — including a round of staff buyouts starting Friday.

Airport executives outlined ongoing struggles during a Hillsborough County Aviation Authority meeting, including a projected $74.6 million shortfall in operating revenue for the fiscal year ending in September.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/ ... -recovery/

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:15 pm

HR Paperstacks wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:40 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:20 pm
Mr.Nuke wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 3:15 am The Omaha airport authority has unanimously voted to pause design work on the terminal per KETV. Design work had reached 30% prior to pausing.
The dumpster fire of pandemic laden 2020 has affected plans once again..

This is no surprise though...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
When I originally heard that there were "exit ramps" for bailing on this, I had a bad feeling that would happen somehow. I just never imagined we would end up in a situation like we are seeing today.

I really hope it will start back up again in a year or two.

I was thinking about this this morning as well. I hope the planning board keeps it on the agenda and towards the forefront. We all know the recession hurts, but we also know the US has come back after every recession. Some airline industry experts are saying a 2-4 year recovery...why not have an updated airport that is ready to go by that time? The most recent design that was released had 22 gates...just 3 more than are currently running so it's not like there would be a dozen empty gates sitting around. When we turn the corner on the pandemic, and we will (no pandemic lasts forever), they can help stimulate the local economy with construction. The CWS will be back, the swim trials will be back, Berkshire days will be back. People will travel again when the economy recovers, OMA's best years were after the last recession. Demand will be back, hopefully OMA can greet it with a shiny new product.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:34 pm

I'm of the same mind. I just got back from the Indianapolis airport yesterday. There were still several restaurants that were under construction. However, it wasn't "annoying" as the number of passengers was fairly low at this time. If we start to turn the corner soon, it may be advantageous to start moving again for two reasons:

1.) Low interest rates
2.) Less of an impact to passengers. If construction begins at a time of lower numbers, everything can be finished by the time we're back. It wouldn't be a situation of inconveniencing tons of people while all the changes were being made.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Mon Aug 10, 2020 3:05 am

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:20 pm

July numbers are out...down 66% over July 2019 figures. Sitting at 56% down year to date over 2019.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:37 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:20 pm July numbers are out...down 66% over July 2019 figures. Sitting at 56% down year to date over 2019.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

And these numbers should surprise no one..

Taking a cup half full perspective, OMA is likely doing “better” than many of it’s Medium Hub brethren.. Chalk up air transportation as yet another thing this pandemic has completely ruined.. For 2020 and likely we’ll into a good portion of 2021...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Aug 19, 2020 4:20 pm

Cargo has actually increased from July 2019.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Thu Aug 20, 2020 2:01 pm

On a side note, I took a vacay with the wife last week flying out of OMA to PDX on WN. I have to say the mask mandates are monitored pretty well everywhere we flew through, OMA, DEN, PDX and LAS. WN was very good at reminding everyone that masks we're required around the gate area and throughout the flight. I did enjoy the flights only being at 2/3 capacity and we never had an issue finding seats together though I will say our worst seating assignment was B09 and B10.

TSA was quick, less than 10 mins at both OMA and PDX. Unsurprisingly, all airports were much less congested than normal. PDX is a nice place, but they still have the screeching sirens at the baggage claim. Interestingly, they have an underground tunnel from the baggage claim to the parking structure/rental cars as well as a skywalk four stories up.

DEN is adding on to terminal C (WN) terminal and had ironwork up already. It appears to be an addition that's at least 1/3 if not close to double the size of the current terminal so apparently they are expecting travel to pick up in the future.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Thu Aug 20, 2020 7:05 pm

Delta plans on leaving middle seats open on flights for the remainder of 2020.

https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/ ... ssion=true

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:59 pm

Today I learned that there was a time when Eppley wasn’t a bland place and gave travelers the razzle dazzle. What happened?

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:02 pm

I was checking out Southwest flights to Omaha from Tampa and was surprised to see all the early morning flights that left Tampa aren't there any more. Best price wasn't leaving here until after 5 pm. Also some of the earlier ones has me going through Den and LAS...

Also Allegiant has no flights until end of November - to Omaha or Sioux Falls.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:38 am

TitosBuritoBarn wrote: Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:59 pm Today I learned that there was a time when Eppley wasn’t a bland place and gave travelers the razzle dazzle. What happened?

Airline deregulation happened, and it was a good thing, too. I remember flying to Chicago from Omaha in 1970. United had a deal called the 12-21 Club. If you fell in that age range you could fly for 1/2 price, but it was 'stand-by' only (there had to be an open seat---flying out of Omaha, there were always open seats). Anyway, I remember the ticket was $99, so the full price for a R/T ticket was $198----very expensive for a 480 mile trip, and people dressed up. Flying was considered a luxury, and people expected top-notch amenities. Now it's just a bus in the air.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 2:02 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:15 pm why not have an updated airport that is ready to go by that time? The most recent design that was released had 22 gates...just 3 more than are currently running so it's not like there would be a dozen empty gates sitting around. When we turn the corner on the pandemic, and we will (no pandemic lasts forever), they can help stimulate the local economy with construction.

NEDodger wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:34 pm If we start to turn the corner soon, it may be advantageous to start moving again for two reasons:

1.) Low interest rates
2.) Less of an impact to passengers. If construction begins at a time of lower numbers, everything can be finished by the time we're back. It wouldn't be a situation of inconveniencing tons of people while all the changes were being made.

The problem for Eppley as a government entity without taxing authority is that they have to have the capacity to repay the bonds. Right now they still have a healthy cash reserve and CARES funding is temporarily helping to offset some costs, but fundamentally nearly all of their revenue sources are tied to passenger levels be it parking, concessions, ticket fees, airline landing fees, etc. Half way through the year based on passenger levels they're probably roughly at 50% of their normal revenue and they're still bleeding more each month as July probably only gave them about 1/3 of their revenue over last July. Meanwhile again, CARES is taking care of some of the expenses right now, but their cost structure to run an airport is nearly the same regardless of passenger levels. I think they probably need to be in a spot where they aren't bleeding cash before undertaking a multi-hundred million project.

Mr.Nuke · Post by **Mr.Nuke** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 3:04 pm

Uffda wrote: Thu Sep 03, 2020 11:02 pm Also Allegiant has no flights until end of November - to Omaha or Sioux Falls.

It will be interesting to see in general what happens over the next few months with CARES funding ending.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:50 pm

Hopefully things are looking better financially as this goes on. I’ve flown in and out of Omaha on 22 flight segments since June 1. Every flight on American and Alaska have been full. What kind of experience are other people having?

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:55 pm

I would worry more for those airports that have just or are just doing construction. Imagine taking on a mountain of debt, financed by airport revenues, and being in this environment. Flying may come back but I just wonder if it will return to pre covid conditions and what will the matrix look like.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Wed Sep 09, 2020 7:47 pm

jjjjhskr wrote: Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:50 pm Hopefully things are looking better financially as this goes on. I’ve flown in and out of Omaha on 22 flight segments since June 1. Every flight on American and Alaska have been full. What kind of experience are other people having?

Flew WN to Portland through DEN and back on WN thorough Vegas...all flights were about 2/3 capacity...for the time being they are committed to leaving the middle seat open (a seat if your flying as a couple/family). Can't say that I didn't enjoy it

though I know rates will go up eventually and the flights will be full again. I was a bit disappointed in the single, 8oz cup of water and the tiny package of snack mix, but I survived.

Bearcat06 · Post by **Bearcat06** » Wed Sep 09, 2020 8:11 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:55 pm I would worry more for those airports that have just or are just doing construction. Imagine taking on a mountain of debt, financed by airport revenues, and being in this environment. Flying may come back but I just wonder if it will return to pre covid conditions and what will the matrix look like.

Though some of those are backed by the city or local government so maybe it isn't quite as bad as going on a solo construction spree.

I think the numbers will get back up to pre-Covid figures, but there are obviouslytons of variables as to when. How long does the economy take to recover, for jobs to return, for people to have expendable income for longer/more expensive trips/flights?

During the last recession OMA had the following #s.

2008 - 4,370,137 pax (-1.2% over '07)
2009 - 4,217,718 pax (-3.5% over '08)
2010 - 4,287,428 pax (+1.7%)
2011 - 4,222,399 pax (-1.7%)
2012 - 4,127,344 pax (-2.0%)
2013 - 4,042,333 pax (-2.1%)
2014 - 4,119,730 pax (+1.9%)
2015 - 4,169,467 pax (+1.3%)
2016 - 4,349,483 pax (+4.3%)
2017 - 4,611,906 pax (+5.9%)
2018 - 5,043,194 pax (+9.4%)

So a decline for six years and then positive growth, but as of July numbers OMA was still down about 56% over 2019 figures, so that's a bit bigger hole to dig out of.

jjjjhskr · Post by **jjjjhskr** » Wed Sep 09, 2020 10:07 pm

Bearcat06 wrote: Wed Sep 09, 2020 7:47 pm
jjjjhskr wrote: Fri Sep 04, 2020 6:50 pm Hopefully things are looking better financially as this goes on. I’ve flown in and out of Omaha on 22 flight segments since June 1. Every flight on American and Alaska have been full. What kind of experience are other people having?
Flew WN to Portland through DEN and back on WN thorough Vegas...all flights were about 2/3 capacity...for the time being they are committed to leaving the middle seat open (a seat if your flying as a couple/family). Can't say that I didn't enjoy it though I know rates will go up eventually and the flights will be full again. I was a bit disappointed in the single, 8oz cup of water and the tiny package of snack mix, but I survived.

American doesn’t leave middle seats open and they do not serve any snack or drink no matter how long the flight is.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Sep 16, 2020 1:06 am

I have flown from/to Omaha 3 times since June. The airport (all airports) were dead in June, and only slightly busier in July. LAS looked almost deserted (as did the entire Strip!). DFW was busier in August than in July, but still about half of the shops and restaurants remained boarded up. Flights can be mostly empty or mostly full (I’m looking at you, American). Everyone everywhere is masked up. The pilot on each of my flights reminded passengers that if they remove their mask (other than to consume food or a beverage) they may be taking their last plane ride for a very long time. No alcohol was sold or given away even in first class on any of my flights, and passengers were told it was illegal to bring alcoholic beverages on board for consumption on the flight. One of my flights offered absolutely zero water or anything else, which I found to be ridiculous for a 2 hour flight. Most flights handed out tiny water bottles.
There were virtually zero lines at security or customs/immigration anywhere. In México all passengers were required to submit a health questionnaire (I filled mine out online at Eppley) and have their temperature taken upon deplaning. Not sure what would happen if you were running a temperature.