Feasibility of New York Airways expansion to Nassau County : progress report

Abstract

A short-haul helicopter service demand analysis on journey to work trips between Nassau and Suffolk counties and the New York central business district was performed over several operational policy/scenario combinations. Results indicated that there was sufficient demand to support multiple rotorcraft additions to the New York Airways Fleet. Market penetrations ranged from 1.9% to 6.0% over the policies/scenarios envisioned. Sensitivity analyses were performed on level of service parameters including fare, frequency, service patterns, and heliport location indicating a high degree of flexibility to be possible in any demonstration program. Fleet requirements were calculated as a function of overall level of service and a sample fleet assignment and schedule proposed. The proposal - to handle the mean demand forecast - consists of three 25 passenger helicopters, 150 flight segments, 2100 route miles/day and a utilization approaching 8.5 hours/aircraft/day. System averages are 13.8 mile stage lengths and 9 minute block times. Sixteen peak hour round trip frequencies flown to Wall Street from three suburban heliport locations include twelve nonstop and four one-stop services. Eight peak hour round trip frequencies are offered to 59th Street (Vic. Central Park), LaGuardia and Kennedy. Load building multi-stop routes were flown between the outer suburban heliports and the innermost transfer point location in western Nassau County. System planning for off peak use was not examined, but will add to flight utilization and latent demand stimulation in the non-business sector. The overall utility of the proposed addition to the NYA route structure could be maximized by careful interfacing with the currently operated routes.