Sink;
It also allows them to get rid of some of the 777-300's that just came off of leases.

In addition to that, it is a great way to connect the Middle East and siphon traffic away from DXB and its major tenant. Of course they may do a route our two to the US.

You know what? You're right. This is a public forum. But rude is rude, and an agenda is an agenda. I call it the way I see it.

The aspect that bothers me a lot is that they carry passengers between the US and Europe. If they were to add a lot of Indian feed, however, and India-EU and India-US traffic increased as a result, then it could be mutually advantageous, depending on how the long-haul flying was distributed. Furthermore, if you are correct about the 777-300's, and a snapshot could be set at an appropriate date, with appropriate restrictions going forward, even the EU-US flight, in proper proportion, might be acceptable. I think we agree that the consequences of a good or poor JV agreement are significant. And ultimately, regardless of the virtues of any particular agreement with a new JV/SkyTeam partner, the fact remains that each addition makes any single pilot group less relevant.

Fair enough.

I can understand that I guess, but how are we supposed to know whether or not it is being adhered to?

We have two guys monitoring Domestic and International Code Share Compliance for the MEC. One has been there a while and the other one is a very smart and capable 2001 hire who I have a ton of respect for. Simply put, I trust em to do their jobs.

We're so deep in these NDA/hush-hush kinds of agreements, that it's very difficult to even understand whether or not they're favorable, or even acceptable. I get vague but enthusuastic reassurances when I ask my reps (I haven't asked the new reps yet), but I don't know.

Maybe we should have a yearly report on what % of our (Delta and Skyteam) flying we're doing each year, which would cover scope at the lower and upper end, and confirmation it's all in agreement with our contract and the JV agreements. If delivery methods are a problem, even a yearly oral presentation at LEC meetings (for those that can be troubled to attend) would suffice.

I think 44 is doing something like this, so it may be as simple as importing it to 66.

That is the fear. Reality is we are growing the most where we do not have a JV, but it is also the same area where we are getting killed by someone keeping their costs low.

I have strong opinions about JV's and Code Shares, and agree, we need to have thumbs up or down approval on all of em.

Now you are seeing things. I just answered a question, and I am sorry to report, as much as it would suit you, I have no agenda expect to see us unify under ALPA. Why? Because long term it is in our best interests. No more, no less.

Hey ER guys and gals;

Notice the new airports that we have pictorial SAQ for?