Originally Posted by
Ed Harley
I think that this is a power move on American's part. My guess is that they are pulling the strings on this and are pushing hard to have Alaska be exclusively a part of their alliance. This will further strain Delta's relationship with Alaska and force us to compete with them and hopefully retaliate.
I think this is good for us. Hopefully it causes mother-D to S or get off the pot in regards to Alaska (acquire them or compete with them).
I mostly agree with your synopsis in general, although I think this particular route in question is all ALK (management) arrogance. They think their frictionless DL/AA networks are pure gravy and to a point they are right. It is causing them to, literally, bite the hand(s) that feed them though. I'd also add that I don't think AA envisions ALK's fantasy of an unlimited one sided relationship where ALK can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and grow for all eternity into the AA network. DL is just now starting to notice and is beginning the process of considering developing a focus group exploratory committee to review options for possibly one day fighting back. AA is too busy to deal with it right now. But ALK's fantasy won't manifest and if they don't merge with someone (which they probably will) then they will be in for a rude awakening in a few years.