Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
They could just be posturing until they see whether SkyTeam will admit them and on what terms.
This is exactly my thought. I suspect Ed’s public comments are a shrewd move to try to reshape SkyTeam into Delta’s vision for what they want it to become.
There are persistent rumors Virgin Atlantic has been looking at joining, but they haven’t yet. I suspect behind the scenes drama that could easily get worked out in favor of joining if the terms are favorable.
There are real and measurable benefits to LATAM from joining up with the SkyTeam carriers - coverage in Argentina, plus direct access to Europe via Air Europa and AFKL. Like China Southern, I think we’ll see a few years of independence, but if SkyTeam still exists in five years, I think LATAM will be in it.