I think CX and QF makes much better sense for a closer partnership, particularly as the two are both in OW. While EK may be a good partner if QF is content to give up its AU-EU traffic, it makes no sense for an airline supposed to be a loyal member OW.
I think the whole EK talks is just a fake-out to force QR into a deal.
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I've been wrong before and I'm sure I'll be wrong again, but my money is on this being a smoke screen.
BA and QF despite the odd spat are still close partners and whilst their relationship should not be taken for granted, they have more to loose by working apart. EK is too big and fits carriers neither carriers end game unless QF wants to be a pimp rather than whore.
CX is of course the missing link but I'm not convinced things will resolve. The Swire family might want closer ties but the Chinese government probably not. The alternate obvious option is a 3 way between QF, BA and QR. Like it or love it, it's probably where things are headed. QR's parent (the govt) is desperate to differentiate against EK and EY (and the other gulf states in general) and BA and QF would be good mechanisms to help achieve this. EY's and VA's CEOs have a long personal history together (anyone remember AN) so that ship has sailed as personal relationships especially in that region count more than anything.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Traveloguy
I've been wrong before and I'm sure I'll be wrong again, but my money is on this being a smoke screen.
BA and QF despite the odd spat are still close partners and whilst their relationship should not be taken for granted, they have more to loose by working apart. EK is too big and fits carriers neither carriers end game unless QF wants to be a pimp rather than whore.
CX is of course the missing link but I'm not convinced things will resolve. The Swire family might want closer ties but the Chinese government probably not. The alternate obvious option is a 3 way between QF, BA and QR. Like it or love it, it's probably where things are headed. QR's parent (the govt) is desperate to differentiate against EK and EY (and the other gulf states in general) and BA and QF would be good mechanisms to help achieve this. EY's and VA's CEOs have a long personal history together (anyone remember AN) so that ship has sailed as personal relationships especially in that region count more than anything.
Agree totally. If Qatar can allegedly 'buy' the world cup they can easily 'buy' QF's(anyone or anythings) custom
