Originally Posted by
Hotel Kilo
So how is united gonna increase it's slots for Europe in which to feed this hypothetical?
It's been posited here and in JB UAL forums that such a thing would increase the domestic foot print for UAL in areas they're not strong at. Our operations in NY are mostly to feed our INTL destinations and feed INT'L into our domestic system. Slots to Europe are lk.ited for us, UAL and AA. Gaining JB would not solve UALs slot limitations, so would then they strictly operate domestic out of JFK? Could they rely on star alliance partners to feed it? Maybe, maybe not. European slots are constrained. That's a fact. I would say same thing for Boston.
We know Kirby has drawn a target on JFK. United pulled out of here before he was CEO and I'm certain he wants a presence here. How he gets that could be to acquireJB, but there are many constraints and limitations on that plan that are not easily surmountable. Could we see a joining of JB and UAL? Not anytime soon. More than likely JB becomes star alliance partner and thus broadens their market.
Regardless I would hope the c- suite is paying attention.
I agree with most of it. I am just saying JB has nothing that UA absolutely needs except for pressence in BOS and JFK. It would be better to let them bleed and die out and buy what they need in the bankruptcy sale. Only problem is the amount of time that will take.
Better to partner now in alliance and see how far they can get with what Kirby wants
JB almost lost their slot at AMS until they cried to DOT about removing KLM slots here. It doesn't make sense to fly a 321 to big cities that are slot restricted in Europe like they do now. UA could switch those slots out for a WB with a JV or whatever they are planning
Nothing to do right now but watch and wait it out. Delta is already going to have to fight the Alaska expansion on the west coast once their 787s are delivered. They don't really need another fight at the same time for JFK and BOS.