Originally Posted by
DCAproducer
They are discussing this topic on A.net as well.
The article says "possible" buyers could be Delta, not that there is any proof Delta has shown interest in buying Virgin America. I also think DL would have a tough time getting the government to ok this type of deal.
AS, NK or B6 would have a better chance, but AS probably doesn't want s bunch of Airbus. In another article I read Virgin was looking at more of selling off a majority chunk of ownership, not necessarily a buyout from another airline.
In addition to DAL, DL would gain some valuable slots at DCA which would help since DL lost so many in the US LGA slot swap.
I can see the B6 rumors because they have little overlap. OTOH, they both do a terrible job at covering anything outside of the coasts.
NK would be be an odd pairing. VX and NK are total opposites in terms of on board services. I don't see many VX customers happy with flying NK instead.
AS would want to ditch the Airbus fleet ASAP, which would negate any reason to buy VX.
I think DL is mentioned because of the JV with VA and VS and the 49% stake in VS. Sir Richard Branson and RA are quite familiar with each other as we all know.