Connect Airlines, a new startup airline in the United States, will offer a premium cabin onboard its fleet of De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft.
Changing the game
Currently, turboprop aircraft are not viewed in high regard in the United States. Alaska Airlines is the only major United States carrier currently operating a fleet of turboprop aircraft (through its regional carrier Horizon Air), specifically the Dash 8-400, which it plans to phase out by 2023.
Connect Airlines plans to operate a fleet of solely turboprop aircraft, and CEO John Thomas hopes that his airline's product will lead Americans to change their minds about turboprop aircraft. Speaking at the Future Travel Experience in Las Vegas last week, Thomas said,
"People say, 'Americans hate flying in turboprops'... For those of you who are old enough to remember 20 years ago, regional airlines were really profitable because they were flying turboprop aircraft. And what killed the economics of those regional airlines was the wretched regional jets... I don't know about you, but I hate flying on regional jets.
Regional jets are your standard CRJ 200 or Embraer ERJ145 with 50 seats and 30-inch pitch. It's a pretty unpleasant experience... We're going to recalibrate this U.S. perception of turboprops to say, 'Actually, it's a hell of a lot nicer flying on a turboprop than it is on a regional jet.'"
Connect Airlines is going to offer a premium cabin product onboard its aircraft, with; newer and more comfortable seats, enhanced amenities, and an elevated experience. The aircraft will be set in a two-cabin configuration with 26 seats in its premium cabin and another 48 seats in its economy class.
For premium cabin customers, Connect will offer seats with a 35-inch pitch, seat selection, 2 free checked bags, a meal, free wine, and larger overhead bins. CEO John Thomas noted that the meal menu will change on a monthly basis and that passengers in the regular cabin will also be offered a meal, at an additional charge. When was the last time you were offered a meal on a 90-minute flight? Likely on a private jet, if you can afford the luxury of flying on one.
The onboard product is no doubt exciting, but perhaps the most important thing that Connect is working on is sustainability. Connect hopes to become the first emissions-free airline in the United States, by operating a fleet of hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. A contract has already been signed for the conversion of 75 ATR 72 aircraft, though the airline has an ambitious goal of converting 500 aircraft in the future.
Commencement of passenger operations
As of last week, Connect Airlines anticipates entry into passenger service in early November, subject to regulatory approval. The airline is still performing its proving flights and is in the process of securing a Foreign Air Operator Certificate from Transport Canada.
Obtaining certification is not a process that happens with the snap of a finger but rather, takes time. Connect has been performing its flights since last month and continues to do so, with the hope of obtaining its certificates in the near future.
The airline has already achieved a significant milestone for its operations in Canada, which are set to take place at the Billy Bishop City Airport in Toronto. Billy Bishop has a total of 242 daily slots, and Connect has already secured 42. Service has not even begun, and Connect has more than 17% of the airport's daily slots.
Do you like flying on turboprop aircraft? Would you be keen to fly on one with a premium cabin? Let us know in the comments below.