Originally Posted by
benzoate
Delta stands to lose the most if UAL re-enters JFK. UAL stands to gain by entering JFK. SWA does not appear to be interested and ALK also reportedly not interested. In reality, all these airlines can sit back and watch Jetblue implode which is the current trajectory. Once that happens assets are sold off and no one airline will have the ability to acquire just what they want but also multiple airlines will take pieces. In the end, should that scenario play out, DAL and UAL still win because the competitive nature of the NE does not change appreciatively either way.
I’m not one to believe jetblue is as desired or important as many believe.
Again, I have zero doubt (strong opinion, not fact) JB will not be anywhere near CH 7 filing for several years. I mean if they can't kill Spirit off FFS, and they don't have anything. Crap product, crap engines, all leased and crap bases, then JB is YEARS away.
We can debate how valuable we think JB is, but I think there's an argument to be made that several airlines have overtly stated their positions for wanting back into JFK and/or the NE. For airlines with little to zero influence in BOS/JFK and even FLL, this could be the last chance to instantly gain that access and influence and broaden their route structure.
I also agree that DL would not be happy if UA is the airline that makes this move. If it's AK or say SWA? They probably care less. But that only goes to strengthen my position that the first offer made public won't be the last/only as other airlines will evaluate how that merger would affect their positions and you'd likely to get several responses/lobbying for States to file law suits to block any deal. That's where a DOJ more amenable to allowing the free market to work on its own benefits an early strike rather than to wait.