I agree likewise. AA is definitely the strongest airline into South America that isn't based in SA. Likewise, I'd think IB (even with the recent MAD-MVD cut) is likely the strongest airline from Europe to SA. That was why I personally was thinking there could be truth to LA/JJ possibly trying to get into *A, where they might be able to get more traffic to come onto their metal. However, the AV/TA move to *A would have lessened any potential for that (as well as CM becoming much more integrated, despite being all narrowbodies, PTY seems like a very convenient place for connecting from NA to SA), and ignoring the court ruling that LA/JJ could not join the same alliance as AV/TA. Good to add JJ, will be a big help (even though their award inventory is stingy) for getting to/from Brazil.