Quote:
Originally Posted by Sink r8
You would think a combined AF/KLM-DAL offer would carry considerable weight. You might also think our ability to dictate terms would be somewhat lessened if we're not the only big dog around the bowl. Then again, If we come up with a satisfactory agreement between the US and Japan, it shouldn't interfere with a satisfactory agreement between Europe and Japan.
There are a lot of moving parts to this, and I think we have a good team that has a better than average chance at making things work. So I'll be cautiously optimistic that some of the pieces will work in our favor. I also happen to think there could be some "win-win" deals that involve little cash, and are favorable to everyone involved, as I explained in the AA/LCC thread.
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There could be, and I truly think that DAL has a two motivators here. First, they have recently have stated in public that they are in talks with AMR over their new terminal. AMR has not moved to the level DAL has wanted. Second, Open Skies negotiations are being done with the new Japanese government and the US. This undermines the value of our investment in NRT. Because of this DAL needs to find a way to protect their investment.
Both of these are very important to our company and their long term plans. Both involve on some level AMR. The easy way out of the JFK mess is just to buy existing real estate. the easy way out of the exposure in NRT, is to get the Japanese government to grant them slots at Haneda. DAL wants to preserve their access to the number two GDP in the world.
Now with the news of DAL being in talks with JAL for a majority/minority etc share of the airline, DAL in talks with AMR over the terminal in JFK, and DAL needing to protect both areas, we see DAL doing some serious gamesmanship. AMR alone does not have the cash to inject what JAL really needs, or wants, and keep themselves solvent. Two billion dollars is a lot.
Like I stated DAL may just be looking for slots at Haneda, and will raise the price for AMR to keep JAL as an alliance partner. The in the end would weaken their financial position no matter how much they invest, opening up the need for cash generation. In my eyes this is what DAL is trying to do.
They may get stuck with JAL which is good. They may get some new real estate which is good, or they may get nothing and as a result a competitor is going to have to expend a lot of money to thwart them off. Either way DAL is working hard at making AMR make decisions when they do not want to. DAL is just speeding up the time table on a few things.
I like the way they are thinking, and as you I am cautiously optimistic. I like the way my bosses, bosses, bosses are thinking and acting. It is new for DAL.