I think this guy is not saying the whole truth: Non of the ME carriers are interested in joining his alliance. EK and EY and QR and GF are doing it their own way and they have expressed many times that joining any alliance is not on the table.
The truth is that more and more, the "global leaders" such as UA and LH will become less relevant. It's the middle east powerhouses like EK, QR, etc that will become the aviation giants of this century. The "hub in the desert" is actually exactly what Star needs if it wants global growth.
Hub in the desert???!
Repeatedly, GF, QR, EK and EY have both stated that they are not interested in joining an alliance (although I have my doubts about GF with oneworld and QR with *A). Those 'desert hubs' will be handling around 100m passengers annually by 2010 or so (rough estimate).
I think that the CEO meant he doesn't want a hub in the middle of nowhere to join (i.e. it should have strong O&D).
CAI will become increasingly important (or should become), esp when T3 opens. If played right, CAI/MS could rival the Gulf super-hubs (I wish!).
PS-CedarJet-what do you think of the new MEA A320s?
I wonder if the GCC countries have jointly made this decision to stay away from alliances. I think once one of them starts the rest will follow. Or may be they are waiting to see if Elal joins and then join one of the remaining alliances.
__________________
There is another FTer called UAfan. In my name there is a space between "UA" and "Fan".
I wonder if the GCC countries have jointly made this decision to stay away from alliances. I think once one of them starts the rest will follow. Or may be they are waiting to see if Elal joins and then join one of the remaining alliances.
Why would GCC airlines wait to see if El Al joins an alliance? Only RJ flies to TLV.
I'm sorry, but your statement does not make much sense. First off, EK and QR, the 900lb Gorilla's in the Gulf have always stated that they have no desire to join an alliance. Further, an alliance is a very tightly controlled club. You don't just invite XYZ airline to join without all existing members being on board with the plan.
