This time may be different though because mergers have resulted in at least 4 fewer airlines in the past few years. Capacity has been artificially constrained by the major carriers IMO. That just leaves room for LCC and new entrants to fill the gap. DL moving back into former strong areas and growing into new areas is product of the new environment. I think all remaining carriers can coexist, grow, and do well. I agree with you though on SkyWest (and Compass in our case) being the primary beneficiary so far. Hopefully that will change and growth will filter up. We'll see I guess.

Can we get a definition of "super hubs"?

This is a classic bullying on the playground move. I think DAL feels that they are "too big too fail" so you they are pushing around whoever they want. Alaska will not be an easy targe. I think Goliath just picked a fight with David and it's going to be a blood bath of which none of us will benefit from.

The Fairbanks route is 100% targeted at Alaska and has little to no impact on DAL's international feed.

Buckle up, bumps ahead.

A place that has so many flights that you can't get a radio call in to ramp control, ground control, or anyone else. Kinda like ATL, ORD, etc.

However, the replication of this in places like BNA, ORD & RDU, (ala Mr. Robert Crandal), was based on speculation, rather than true O & D feed & yield. Hence, the utter failure of said hubs in a very short order. Even the F100s of the new Midway Airlines, (feeding AMR), couldn't keep RDU profitable. The same applies to STL & PIT. If the revenue ain't there, it's a paper tiger that weighs on the profit margin. Post Ch 11, it's all about the Benjamins.

Back to SEA.....DAL will be the victor. It may take some time, but the outcome is certain. (Think GMC vs. Delorian).

As I understand, Alaska has very poor scope language. Is there anything preventing it from becoming the next Midwest Express, albeit on a larger scale?

It is a little competition! Welcomed by this junior 15 year FO. Now buckle up and enjoy the riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidddddddddddeeeeeeeee!!

TEN


PS. I still think it is posturing and in the future DL & AS will be ONE.<---I hope not, though.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think there is zero scope restrictions anything of any size can now be flown by anyone.

David and Goliath weren't supposed to be partners.

This is more like "your fiancée is otherwise engaged". The promiscuity is an issue. Maybe DAL will get it to change, maybe we'll have to learn to look the other way. I'm not smart enough to know.

ALK has a lot of brand loyalty, but we've paid very dearly to learn that this has become a commoditized market. What premium will people be willing to put on their loyalty?

In terms of Europe, maybe. In terms of an international hub.. not even close. Seattle is going to be DAL's gateway to Asia

Apples and oranges. ALPA/ALPA carriers vs ALPA/APA. The BAD in it would be a little more stagnation and merging two disparate fleets. Not insurmountable, but it won't be very pleasant. Whether or not it is a "hostile takeover" or not is irrelevant.

Alaska initiated this "bullying" and "pushing around" as you describe it.

They (Delta) are pushing back at the Middle East alliance.

Frankly, I am glad this management team is doing so. The previous two wouldn't have.

So, in regards to Fairbanks, let the games begin. Not afraid of competition are we?

Word is that Ketchikan and Sitka are next for this summer on the C7&9 mix and Juneau later, perhaps on the 737-7 to start.