Originally Posted by
Trip7
Excellent topic for discussion. JB/UAL merger would be a big problem for Delta as the new United would become a force to be reckoned with globally.
Unfortunately I believe this is the Ace under Kirby's sleeve and he know he can pull it off under the Trump Administration just by telling him how good his leadership is and how nice his hair looks. It's highly likely jetBlue gets bought and UAL is the front-runner. Alaska the dark horse.
Maybe Delta can get Sun Country. Next few years will likely be interesting to say the least
I recommend many of the commentators here give a listen to airlines confidential podcast once in a while. Some really good high level airline talk. Will also talk about how difficult mergers are to get through.
On the topic of mergers I recommend a listen to freakonomics episode 625 “The Biden Policy Trump hasn’t Touched.” It’s talking to Lina Kahn the former FTC chair and how Trump has continued the policy of stopping mergers in markets controlled by a small group. Essentially it appears that approving mergers is not going to be readily accepted. Or so it seems so far.
TLDR: mergers in an industry with small number of competitors aren’t likely to get merger approval. If Spirit and JetBlue can’t get approval, I see no way they let United get bigger.
United does appear to be gaining ground and Delta does need to step back and get back its control of our own operation, I’ve noticed drift out there, I’m sure you all have as well.