I suspect DL has mild regrets about not starting SEA-SIN now; it probably would have kept SQ at bay for a while. I suspect they were waiting for some combination of more new Airbus aircraft or the new IAF facility; probably shouldn’t have waited, in retrospect.

The next two years or so are going to be make or break for the new Seattle hub, especially with the local market on a softening path for the first time in a decade. Either the Asian competition eats their lunch and AS finally gets their revenge, or DL manages to make a stand and proves the viability of the connecting hub over the long term.

I, for one, am looking forward to popping some popcorn and taking some cheap trips to Asia, preferably in premium cabins. 🍿