^I have no data or expertise to rely on, but I suspect pricing will be one of the last details to fall into place, and I suspect that a wide range of options will stay on the table until the bitter end.... and pricing may not stabilise until a decade after opening day.
We really haven't gotten to the economic side of things. We don't yet have a solid pricetag estimate, as that depends on the route selection and estimating of construction cost. In turn, we don't know how Alto will raise that capital and how much private investment will be leveraged. The more private investment, the more there will be pressure to maximise revenue, and that leads to fewer seats charging more, as operationally fewer seats means lower operating cost. Plus, we have no feel for how much appetite the public has to subsidy versus demanding operation in the black. Today's government may not be in power when that mandate is executed.
So, while I appreciate Mr Imbleau's insight, I don't take his vision to the bank. He is speculating just like the rest of us. The end strategy may be forced on him rather than a m@nagement decision. Time will tell.
- Paul
