token385

But what about the SkyTeam Alliance is preventing AZ from launching their own routes? Between the lines (not knowing the alliance agreement language) AZ it putting forward that there is something within the agreement that prevents route launching? Curious to know though because it appears that even DL cannot/does not want to support a year round service from DTW to FCO (hub-to-hub). IIRC DL only services year round from ATL(?) Also I believe that DL does in fact favour KL/AF rarely do you see a DL/AZ codeshare routing in availability displays. This could merely be due to the # of flights ex U.S operated by AZ.

token385

I would say oneworld.........(or hope for^)

nufnuf77

Sounds like the procedure was not applied correctly, unless the capacity limits the number of people/lounge is full, AZ should not have declined your request.
I would call / write to the club offices and airport lounge manager to inform them how unhappy you felt about it and how you would expect access the next time you visit.

irishguy28

It is not the alliance that is preventing them.

It is the rules pertaining to the TATL JV that prevents Alitalia from acting independently on these routes.

There is no "Alitalia" or "Delta" or "KLM" or "Air France" on transatlantic routes. They have a metal-neutral immunized joint venture which means that, legally and economically, they are all effectively a single airline on routes between Europe and North America. All revenues, costs, profits (losses if there are any) are shared.

Therefore, Alitalia effectively gave up its "sovereignty" in this sphere. Back when AFKL were a large shareholder, AZ was seen more as a means of filling AFKL flights as a feeder service, rather than an airline to build/expand its own network. Now it is retreating from its deep cooperation with AFKL and trying to plough its own furrow, but finds itself impaired by the requirement to consult with its dominant "partners" across the Atlantic. It is not master of its own destiny in this sphere. Whether or not they can launch new routes without the consent of the others, it will still have to share the profits with the others.

tortellini

Just speculating... They will do like Air Serbia....

EDIT: just got a newsletter where they promote flights to the caribbeans with their partner airberlin. I guess this is the begininung of promoting and selling tickets for the whole etihad partners group