Originally Posted by
RemoveB4flght
The latest DOT joint application filing made a pretty compelling case for how FLL would greatly benefit from the merger. As it is we practically fly formation with each other on a number of routes, as well as compete for the limited international arrival gates at the same times. Combined we could offer both more connections and more international destinations while still freeing up gate space for other carriers. What wasn’t mentioned is spreading out the flights and connections would likely smooth out the high demand on infrastructure (security,customs,baggage handling) during the peak pushes, where as now Terminal 3/4 has two modes, frenzied chaos and post apocalyptic vacant.
FLL, for JB, will certainly benefit from the merger. The higher market share an airline controls in a metro catchment area, the better they typically do financially. It's one of JB's great financial weaknesses, they have nothing even approaching a fortress hub, where most other airlines (outside ULCC) have several. At 49% market share, FLL still won't be a fortress hub (especially when you add MIA to the catchment area), but it will start to smell like one and be very helpful. BOS was probably on a trajectory to be JB's first fortress hub, but Delta saw that play and made it so it will very likely never be.