Originally Posted by
CXBA
Agree on all points made. However I recall that at certain point there was some kind of agreement between 9W an IT regarding route consolidation and harmonization, plus some kind of internal code sharing (the details I don't recall now, perhaps someone can dig all the relevant informations). Given IT current bad shape, a merger with 9W could actually be a real possibility, and if this the case OW may well become the natural home for the new merged entity, and ending as the real winner in the indian market. I personally think GoI is well aware of SkyTeam image and placement as catcher of medium-lower segments of the market that they have slim chances to bag 9W.
Anyway the situation at the moment is so murky that anything can happen. I'm actually glad to see LH finally being on the receiving end for once, having failed with their usual perfected recipe of cajoling, arrogant behavior, chicanery and GoG unabashed support, political and financial alike.Good also to see GoI, albeit in their own twisted way, imposing some kind of strategic policy on air transport, and trying to enforce it against external demands.
The idea of Jet Kingfisher cooperation was conceived around in 2008 under the uncertainty of the recession was underway, bu it was never alive. No agreement was signed and so the idea never really went anywhere. So as far as any tie up between the two is concerned, there is absolutely no constraint.
However, if 9W prefers OneWorld, it might go that way, as GoI probably has no interest in what 9W does, as long as it doesn't go where AI goes. OneWorld is the weakest alliance though.