kc2aqg
2008-08-13, 10:54 AM
So reading about jetBlue's new T5, it got me thinking about the future usage of T6. I had thought that jetBlue's original plan was to move most flights over to T5 while still utilizing T6. However, I think now that with their cap on expansion and the general overcrowdedness that is JFK, jetBlue's operations could be consolidated completely into T5.
That said, before demolishing T6, wouldn't it be a good idea to utilize it as a temporary replacement for T2? I say shift all of DL's domestic flights over to T6, then knock down T2 and start the new international concourse that will replace T3. Once this is complete, T3 can be decked and a new concourse that can support both international and domestic operations can be built.
I know that this situation would be less than ideal for connections. Perhaps an airside bus shuttle could run between T3 and T6 for pax connecting to international flights. Pax coming off of int'l flights would have to re-clear security anyway, so put them on the AirTrain over to T6 right out of T3 customs.
I think the logistics of this could actually work as a decent temporary solution. Help the cluster**** of the RJ operation by moving it over to one of the circular satellites in T6 (perhaps gates 11/12/14-17). Use the rest of the gates for CR9's, 737's, 757's, and the occasional 767. I know at least two of gates 1-5 can handle 767's since I've seen UA 762's there before many years ago. I'm not sure how much the space is affected by 737 and 757 winglets, but I would imagine that it is still possible to fit in as many planes that are currently fit into T2. This will also ease congestion in T3, since it then becomes exclusively international ops. It might take some work on fleet utilization with the ex-TWA 757's going from domestic to int'l and vice versa, but I think it could work. It's a similar plan to what AA did with their T8/T9 during their construction.
What do you think about this as a solution? What problems do you see forthcoming? What would YOU suggest as an alternate solution? Very curious to hear people's thoughts, since this will be a project undertaken by the port in the coming years and DL is definitely in need of new JFK facilities.
That said, before demolishing T6, wouldn't it be a good idea to utilize it as a temporary replacement for T2? I say shift all of DL's domestic flights over to T6, then knock down T2 and start the new international concourse that will replace T3. Once this is complete, T3 can be decked and a new concourse that can support both international and domestic operations can be built.
I know that this situation would be less than ideal for connections. Perhaps an airside bus shuttle could run between T3 and T6 for pax connecting to international flights. Pax coming off of int'l flights would have to re-clear security anyway, so put them on the AirTrain over to T6 right out of T3 customs.
I think the logistics of this could actually work as a decent temporary solution. Help the cluster**** of the RJ operation by moving it over to one of the circular satellites in T6 (perhaps gates 11/12/14-17). Use the rest of the gates for CR9's, 737's, 757's, and the occasional 767. I know at least two of gates 1-5 can handle 767's since I've seen UA 762's there before many years ago. I'm not sure how much the space is affected by 737 and 757 winglets, but I would imagine that it is still possible to fit in as many planes that are currently fit into T2. This will also ease congestion in T3, since it then becomes exclusively international ops. It might take some work on fleet utilization with the ex-TWA 757's going from domestic to int'l and vice versa, but I think it could work. It's a similar plan to what AA did with their T8/T9 during their construction.
What do you think about this as a solution? What problems do you see forthcoming? What would YOU suggest as an alternate solution? Very curious to hear people's thoughts, since this will be a project undertaken by the port in the coming years and DL is definitely in need of new JFK facilities.