Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
I said I don't want minimal connecting time, which is defined as the scheduled time from arrival of one segment to the departure of the next flight on the itinerary. I don't like to feel forced to run to my next gate and risk missing the flight. This has nothing to do with MRs, spending more time on airplanes, or getting upgrades.
No that isn't what I mean. I meant a short flight duration where you can make the connection.
On that note another Japanese carrier has orders for A380 which will have flights to Narita from JFK potentially.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skymark_Airlines
In June 2011, Skymark began providing award seats through the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program.
I wonder if Skymark will turn into a SkyTeam member. A380 from JFK to NRT will provide competition against Delta's own 747's for the Asian Rim.
" The airline intends to use the aircraft on a number of long-haul trunk routes out of Narita Airport, like London, Frankfurt, Paris or New York. Skymark intends to operate the A380s in a two-class, 394-seat configuration - with 114 seats in business class and 280 in a premium economy class."
Since you can get Skyteam rewards on this airline, it will be very meaningful if they establish the JFK to NRT route on the A380. Japanese carriers tend to be very highly rated such as JAL or ANA. Korean carriers like Korean Airlines (Also a Skyteam member unlike JAL or ANA) also highly rated. Skymark seems to be positioning itself with Skyteam for the Japan routes.
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/center...th-to-skyteam/
Looks like it will also have the best economy seat pitch in the industry since it beats Korean Airlines and has less seats for economy.
Won't be ready till 2014 though. :-( But it does look like Skymark is Delta's partner for now for Japan and it has boatloads of potential.
But won't this compete against Delta's own 747 service?