Originally Posted by
sailingfun
I did not say a word about Haneda. Haneda slots are very valuable. Delta is pushing hard on the next round of negotiations over Haneda. My point was that pilots place way to much emphasis on aircraft. Aircraft can be picked up anytime. Delta even has a agreement with Boeing to jump into any production line for aircraft at almost any time. There is a glut of production capacity on narrow bodies at the moment because of the upcoming NEO and MAX. That is how Delta picked up the 900ER's for half price and less then the C series would have cost. There are parked A319's in several locations. Delta has identified 60 to 70 airframes they can get right now if desired. Merger decisions will not have anything to do with aircraft. Other factors such as Haneda will be what is in play.
Understood. Care to take a stab at the other part of the question or you know something you don't want to share? Btw, Alaska is currently making good money with its Hawaii routes. It represents just under 20% of their portfolio but bringing in more than that in revenue/profits. That's why they continue to add flights hand over fist. Will that last as others enter the market. Probably not.