Originally Posted by Klm is Dead - Long Live KLM

How could I forget WN? What is there not to love? They aren't doing what Anne has suggested, though. And, they are in a different business and do pick and choose where they will compete -- more importantly where they know they can't and won't compete. They are not building a global franchise head to head with the big boys and if their route network is enough for you, they are a great example. But, ever try to fly WN from Mason City, Iowa to Lagos, Nigeria? Or even from MSP to ATL?

DL with their newly formed NA cartel has a similar long term strategy: rather than choose the niche markets you can dominate like WN, try to become big enough to become the only game in town in many markets wherever they can and in turn dominate their hubs and dominate their routes and exploit a joint, coordinated network with NWAFKLAZ+ without having to worry so much about competition -- or regulation requiring them to do the right thing by consumers.

Somehow, I have more faith in WN to do the right thing than DL. But WN doesn't fly where I need to fly and probably never will...

Imagine how much better air transportation in the US might be today if the failing legacy dinosaurs had not been kept on artificial life support and had been allowed to die and room had been made for various WN-style competitors scattered around the country. On the other hand, there will be always be demand for going further in the world than from Omaha to Albuquerque and that bigger world served by global networks is the world DLNW is trying to break into.