Originally Posted by Sink r8

Could the underlying problem be frayed nerves over this JAL stuff? I think we're all waiting with baited breath, because if NRT takes it on the chin, then there is no rationale for the merger, and we'll be fighting among ourselves for a shrinking number of seats.

Either us or AMR, someone is going to lose. The thing is, we have a much larger operation to lose in the first place. If AMR loses, then it has to learn to do more direct fligths to Asia... not exactly a disaster for their pilots. If Delta loses, then we're relegated to distant third in Tokyo, with no access to HND. We can then become a leasure airline, as JAL/AMR and ANA/UAL take care of the high yield pax in HND.

Now that the Japanese are saying they want to start their review "from scratch", I have the feeling Delta is getting played between the Japanese factions within the ETIC, the government, and JAL. If Delta has to face some bitter pills, I'm pretty sure they'll try to pass them onto us to swallow.

How fun!