Potentially stupid question...I know nothing about airlines. What are the chances of a ulcc code share? does it work for low-cost carriers to have a few Key markets from Edmonton and then utilize existing connections from there?
it’s also interesting to see the debate in Europe whether to ban short Hall flights. should Alberta be looking at a high speed rail network as a way to increase flight efficiency?
Low-cost companies do, sometimes, have code-shared flights, but I'll go ahead and say that it is not necessarily a good think for Edmonton and for YEG to have, let's say, Flair, go down that path, at least for now. Not until we have direct flights to some major Midwest and East Coast destinations. It might be good for the airline (depends a lot on their structure and growth plan), but it's terrible for the city. Essentially, this is what happens now, with us needing to change planes in Calgary or Vancouver, for example. Having direct flights makes for shorter trips, benefits the local economy (jobs, revenue and all of that).
As for the short haul flight ban being discussed in Europe, bear in mind that they have a very dense rail network and a culture that is supportive of that mode of transportation. They also have A LOT of 1hr or less flights that travel semi-full, with a HUGE environmental impact (which is a big deal there, not as much here... Sadly).
I do believe HSR would be good for Alberta, overall, but mostly by reducing car trips on QE2, with not as much effect on flights. If anything, my dream would be having HSR going from the northern end of Edmonton Downtown to the Calgary Downtown, stopping only at YEG and Red Deer (and skipping YYC).