Originally Posted by
SchmutzigMSP
It would be very impractical to drive all PVG traffic for the largest airline in the world through ATL.
People need to remember that NW has a significant customer/passenger base and the new airline isn't going to be able to dismiss former NW routes simply because they're already operated out of a DL hub.
I agree completely, however, given the sudden decline in China bookings on all airlines, it seems more prudent to hold off on this flight for now. NW serves PVG through NRT as it is, no need to dump additional capacity into a declining market. Similarly, Gothenburg is probably better served through NW/KLMs long established network via AMS rather than launching a new flight on DL from JFK.