Jack Bauer

Delta, the world's biggest airline in terms of traffic, is hoping to increase its global prowess through alliances and joint ventures. It has a strong presence in Europe, and it is trying to broaden its footprint across the Pacific.

Delta, based in Atlanta, is trying to lure Japan Airlines away from its partnership with American Airlines. Delta and its SkyTeam partners have a $1 billion offer on the table to bring JAL into their alliance.

Delta's chief executive officer, Richard Anderson, told employees in a recorded message Thursday afternoon that he just returned from Tokyo, where he met with the Japanese transport minister. Anderson said Delta talked about JAL's financial restructuring and how it would benefit if the airline were in an alliance with Delta.

"We put together a substantial financial package to entice JAL to join SkyTeam," Anderson said. He added, "Hopefully, we'll be successful there."

The Associated Press: Australian regulators OK Delta, Virgin Blue plan

acl65pilot

We shall see. It would be good if we did, and they gave US airlines more than four slots a day to Haneda

Sink r8

Arpey's meeting with the same Transportation Minister next week. There is no way to tell whether this was a token meeting before they really get down to business with AMR.

I also noticed the Minister looked rather smug in te picture with Anderson. Politicians have a great talent when it comes to getting photographed with someone, yet not look too happy about it.

And one of JAL's VP's said about a month ago that they would "probably" go with AMR. No comment since then.

There is no way to tell which of this is posturing, bluffing, or setting expecations.

Besdies, we didn't even know if "winning" JAL would be a win for the Delta pilots.

Popcorn, anyone?

acl65pilot

Sink,

Agreed. With the Japanese government, JAL, AMR and the American government all working against what would be good for the DAL pilot, I hardly see us coming out ahead, unless we get something directly from DAL, Inc.

Free Bird

Yes, it is an interesting story playing out. AMR already has the codeshare with AMR so if JAL stays with AMR, it's more of the same with the variable being the announcement of the "Open Skies" agreement.

If I were to bet, I'd say that AMR keeps JAL and Delta goes to plan B on the Asian front. Essentially AMR will have paid a big premium just to MAINTAIN their current relationship with JAL.

Jack Bauer

All true guys. I seem to remember from a month ago JAL managment sided with AMR and the government toward DAL but it sounds like they are letting JAL managment still call shots. The thing I found interesting was Anderson saying: "Hopefully, we'll be successful there." I realize this is not a definitive statement but would he say this at all if the thing was already headed for the circular file? I may be wrong but he doesnt seem to be the kind of guy to show his hand.