Originally Posted by
cmd320
MCO-MIA would be eighth freedom for KLM which is not permissible in the US (cabotage) unfortunately.
This probably makes more sense than Delta flying it as they lack the ideal equipment for the route.
What is the ideal equipment for the route? KL is using a 789 with 30J and 264Y seats. DL's 332s and 339s both come close to that number with the addition of W. Seems to me like DL could pretty easily fly it with a 767 (for "capacity discipline") or 330, and then they can pick up the domestic customers as well.
This is probably a much stronger flight from the European point of sale though, which might show a preference for a European carrier, even with JV codesharing and metal neutrality.