I’m trying to wrap my brain around Delta’s plans for the PNW. This thread is an attempt to piece together Delta’s master plan for Seattle and how that plan might be achieved.

Let’s be respectful and keep the Alaska bashing to a minimum. Most of those guys, just like Delta pilots, are good people. Wishing ill (beyond friendly banter) on any pilot group is in bad taste.

Based upon the following information:

1. Delta had 30 daily flights that compete with Alaska out of SEA in 2012
2. Delta plans a total of 148 daily flights out of SEA by the end of 2014
3. Delta plans a total of 300 daily flights out of SEA by 2017

How is this achieved?

1. Rumors have circulated that SEA doesn't have enough gate space for such a large expansion. Where will the gate space come from to increase 30 daily flights to 300?
2. How many of the increased flights will be international?
3. How many of the increased flights will be performed by “DCI” RJ’s and how many mainline?
4. If a large portion of the flights end up being on Delta mainline, what airframe that Delta currently operates (or is available in that time frame) makes the most sense?
5. Can this number of airplanes simply be flowed through SEA or would that volume of flying in SEA more appropriately be handled by opening a new category for SEA?
6. What airframe makes the most sense if a new category is opened in SEA (i.e. 717, 737, A320)?
7. Can more 757’s fill the gap without needing to add a new category? Or maybe a combination of more 757’s originating out of SEA and flowing 737/717’s up from LAX for example.
8. How many of the 10 A330’s on order will be added to the SEA base? Will this decrease 7ER flying?
9. On a competitive basis, if Alaska currently has 242 daily flights (roughly half of those flights are 737’s and the other half RJ’s/Dash 8’s…can someone confirm this?) out of SEA, what is their likely response: A. utilize their lower cost structure to provide lower fares. B. Move more of their assets to other markets (i.e. SLC, California, ?) C. Up their customer service to outshine Delta to retain their customers. D. Offer more frequent flyer rewards on their metal and others such as British Airways, Emirates, etc. E. Greatly expand the American code share (which ironically is what they didn't want to do with Delta) G. All the above. Any other ideas?

Any other rumors, comments, speculations or ideas?