Originally Posted by
Andy
Disagree. B6 isn't a great fit; every other airline I can think of that would possibly be in play is a better fit with AS: F9, G4, SY, LUV, UAL (no particular order). None of those five airlines would have market concentration issues with DOJ if they merged with AS.
AS BOD believes they need to be the #5 airline to remain relevant. F9, G4, SY would not achieve that.
AS/B6 are the most likely because there is actually a dialogue. I have heard the only musts for B6 are NY HQ, JetBlue branding, Reconfigured board elected CEO and EVP’s. That may be a bridge to far for AS. Those were the same holdups in 2015.
LUV and UAL can play or not play a hand. Either one could go after Alaska, JetBlue, or Spirit. AS could make a play for Spirit but I would put that at unlikely. AS also would likely need the pilots under a long term contract to be able to get the best capital rate to pull off any hostile move. Get your popcorn, it’s anyones guess. SK said he wants to be the largest airline in the world, I think he only gets there by buying Alaska, JetBlue, or Spirit. Southwest’s only play would be to protect their long term interests.