Originally Posted by
keitherson
This is all intended. Basically, Etihad wants to completely reduce AB's European routes in favour of intercontinental routes. Since Etihad is facing trouble securing slots in US markets, they are going to use Air Berlin as a way to expand into US markets.
Its Open Skies with UAE and USA - Etihad could launch AUH-BOS/MIA/SEA/IAH tomorrow if it wanted to. MIA is begging EY or EK to come. They could use Terminal B or C in BOS and avoid the packed Terminal E since AUH has pre-clearance.
The markets may not be there though (BOS has double daily DXB and daily DOH - MIA would have better potential) and AB is a good way of getting feed in BOS and MIA.
Would love to see BOS-TXL, even if its seasonal 3-4 weekly) come out of this restructure though.