Originally Posted by
Hedley
Not saying that it can’t happen, I’m just saying that the cost of buying the whole probably far exceeds the value of the choice pieces that are desired and that would actually be kept. In the case of UA, Kirby definitely wants back into JFK, but only at the right price. He also just wants a limited presence to run some premium transcon flights to the west coast, not a hub. There also hasn’t been any real interest expressed in expanding their presence in BOS or anything else that a merger would bring to the table. I just don’t see him buying a company where the bulk of the operation is not wanted just to get the one thing that is desired. It’s kind of like buying a used bonanza that has major maintenance issues just because the interior is really nice. Not saying that it can’t happen, I’m just saying that my guess is that UA would rather do without and continue with their current plan than go down that path.
What Kirby WANTS and what he has to do could very well be 2 different things. Of course he wants to pick at the JB bones and get them for pennies on the dollar. But that more than likely won't be possible. AK didn't want to overpay for VA either but they paid a significant premium to keep JB from getting them and infiltrating the West Coast. If it's true that there are 3 airlines (at least) kicking the tires, best laid plans often go out the window when you're forced to chance directions due to external forces you can't control.