Red Way (Lincoln, NE) - a virtual carrier that sold flights out of Lincoln, NE, Nebraska - has announced it will cease operations on August 31, 2023, less than three months after its inaugural flight, citing as reasons insurmountable problems, including rising costs and resource limitations.
The start-up had experimented with a low-cost business model focused on leisure destinations within the United States and had partnered with charter carrier GlobalX (G6, Miami International) to operate its flights and acted as a sales agent for GlobalX Air Tours. Flights were sold as public charters and operated with A320-200s and A321-200s.
"We are immensely grateful to have had this time, and we know that demand exists strongly in Lincoln for expanded air service," the airline said in a statement on social media. "However, we face insurmountable challenges as a small startup in our industry, and the compounding of costs and lack of resources have made it impossible for us to sustain operations. It is our hope that other carriers see the incredible potential and, with their economies of scale, are able to provide Lincoln with the service it is so worthy of."
Red Way had aimed to revitalise air connectivity to/from Lincoln, but the airline encountered difficulties early on, dropping several destinations due to poor market development. In July, it cut seasonal flights to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Austin, and Minneapolis St. Paul International over lack of business. Chief Executive Officer Nickolas Wangler said the carrier never gained traction in those markets. Its remaining routes were Dallas/Fort Worth, Nashville International, Orlando International, and Las Vegas Harry Reid.
The Lincoln Airport Authority Board expressed regret at the outcome but intends to continue pursuing sustainable air service options for the community. In the meantime, United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) continues to provide regular flights from Lincoln to Chicago O'Hare, Denver International, and Houston Intercontinental, according to ch-aviation schedules data.
