Originally Posted by
SwissexLUG
The integration process will be a challenge but I don't think AB is a "classical" LCC like Ryanair or easyJet. AB already works more or less like a network carrier and this may help in the integration process.
Some features:
- AB allows connections and checks your bags through
- AB has a frequent flyer program with other airline partners (S7 among others)
- AB has two classes of services (long-haul)
- AB uses main airports (e.g. FRA,TXL instead of Hahn or Schönfeld), most of which already have a OW lounge
- AB's IT is connected to the ESTA, API databases for US bound passengers
- you can buy AB ticket through consolidators and/or online agencies (e.g. ebookers, expedia.de, etc.)
- you should be able to buy AB tickets through TAs as well (I'm not sure though)
- AB has a limited hub-and-spoke model in TXL & DUS (you can for instance fly from ZRH via DUS to MIA, your bag is checked through, you get boarding passes for the DUS-MIA leg in ZRH, the check-in agent at ZRH enters your API details for the US and checks whether you are ESTA compliant, etc.)
AB is more like B6 in the US which offers you connecting flights, booking via online agencies such as Expedia, etc. They are a low-fare network carrier.
Originally Posted by
IC6A
I guess they want:
1>, OW Frequent flyers who may purchase its Business class ticket to support their revunue on long haul routes
2>, OW's network so AB can sell ticket in Germany to its members to anywhere in the world
3>, OW's structure that will make AB more competitive
4>, OW's leisure travelers who will use AB's European network to travel within EU. AB will have the potential to sell majority of the Europe Pass sectors for its frequency and network.
5>, OW's member airlines to work together with AB to make DUS a better hub with a future Berlin hub in the new Berlin airport which due to open in 2012. So when AB fully integrated into OW (possibly late 2011 early 2012) OW will have the new Berlin BBL airport (code BER) as one hub
6>, OW's international routes into Frankfurt so AB could benefits from the codeshare out of FRA.
I agree with all of this. However I don't think the advantage for AB is as strong as it might be for a carrier better connected at the classical hubs.
Originally Posted by
stimpy
As far as I can tell, this benefits only Germans
AB has a lot of point to point connections outside Germany and with their hub in Palma is a nice option for that corner of the Mediterranean as well.