Originally Posted by TheManager

Best case scenario for Delta aviators = buy HA with their similar fleets and wide to narrow body ratio. Less pilots to integrate, organically grow back the Western route structure that RA 1 and the then Board abandoned with 90's, 717's 73n's. (No mess/no fuss over ALK integration and lack of WB equipment.) Seperate from Alaska and part ways. Adios, Eskimos.

Only problem with this is gate space in SEA. Don't know how many A or B gates available presently. Also, LAX gate space.

Corporation gains more options to use on the NRT/Japanese Gov't issues. Example: a Honolulu hub that possibly can be utilized for Japan over flight like the current plans for SEA, additional South Pacific/Oceana route authority, and best of all, prevents AMR from strenghtening their anemic Pacific structure. Hobble a competitor while they are trying integrate and get out of the gate

PS. Currently out here on the left coast, Hawaii is the prefered vacation destination. Mexico has scared away most of the tourist industry with cartel violence. Something about finding severed heads on the streets in the hotel zone in Acapulco that turns folks off.

"So, what is in those street tacos they are selling, cabeza?"

Additionally, Chinese and Japanese vistors numbers up in the Islands. HA also captures both the west coast and Asian revenue into the Islands where as ALK only offers west coast. I believe they (ALK) has also cut back on Mexican frequency as well and refocused on Hawaii to redeploy their fleet. ALK a on trick pony. HA is a several trick pony easy. Also cheaper.