[QUOTE=NickB;17160064]Which routes? IB has very few routes to Africa. The only ones I would imagine there would be competition with RAM would be DKR, LOS and SSG. (Admittedly, there would be competion on routes to Morocco itself but I would imagine that IB would in fact benefit from increased traffic on its Moroccan routes if RAM was in OW)
Originally Posted by
NickB
For Nigeria itself, Arik certainly wins. But for the rest of West Africa, RAM is infinitely better: Arik only serves 6 non-domestic destinations in West Africa (ACC,COO,ROB, FNA, BJL, DKR). By comparison, RAM serves 20 (NKC, DKR, BKO, CKY, ACC, NIM, OUA, ABJ, DLA, LBV, BZV, SSG, BJL, NSI, LOS, BGF, PNR,FNA, ROB, FIH).
In addition, RAM serves 8 destinations in North Africa and the Middle East (ALG, TUN, TIP, CAI, BEY, JED, RUH, AUH). Arik serves none.
Yes, I know AT serves more locations, but they're location makes for a poor intra-African hub. Its similar to LHR being a geographically poor location for intra-EU travel, and the reason OW chose AB to join the alliance. If there were a viable airline in the Central African Republic, that would be the ideal location for an African partner. Given the poor viability of the other central African nations, Nigeria is the next best thing.
When you combine a good geographic location with a potential market nearly five times the size of Morocco's, Nigeria is a must.
As I said previously, Arik will need some nurturing from one of the bigger OW members, but the strategic potential is far greater than in Morocco. Besides, I see no reason why both airlines couldn't be in OW.
Originally Posted by
NickB
Arik serves one destination in Europe (LON). RAM serves over 20.
Europe is well covered, by AY, AB,BA, and IB. What OW needs is an intra continent network.
Originally Posted by
NickB
Thats not really an issue, as Arik serves one destination in North America (NYC). RAM serves 2 (NYC and YUL).
What concerns me more is the fact that AA still has no flights to Africa while DL keeps expanding.
Originally Posted by
NickB
Have they? I thought that they were still on the banned EU list (except for 3 B777s and 4 B737s).
As of 2010 they were allowed to resume 777 and 737 operations to all of Europe, but under strict conditions. TAAG also has the permission to fly US-Angola routes as well.
Commission updates the list of airlines banned from the European airspace
"
The Commission recognises the improvements in the operations of TAAG Angola Airlines by allowing the air carrier to operate under certain strict conditions with specific aircraft to all destinations in the EU, not only to Lisbon."