Originally Posted by hyho61

For AI any alliance will look good. After rejection from Star, they have little choice. They can earn some more money if they are in Sky team than going it alone, but it is not as lucrative as Star, for sure.

CDG is very unfriendly airport especially with the transit visa issues during IRROPS. On the plus side, there is minimal competition to AI on the US routes and European routes. DL has good network from JFK, and AI does not need any partners on EWR route, since the flight is doing well without any connections. AI can introduce flights to Rome and Amsterdam to take advantage of the connections.

Skyteam desperately needs a partner in India and AI would fit the bill with its domestic, middle east and SE asia reach. It can also provide an excellent connection point in DXB for the ATL to DXB Delta flight to many points in India where AI flies to. AF/KL can explore expansion in India but it does not enhance revenue to AI. I am sure that AF will be hoping for 380 flights to DEL if this comes through.