Originally Posted by
billdokes
I completely disagree...if AC wants to re-enter a market and win back share, they will. Air travel is a price driven, commodity business...who can take me from A to B for the cheapest price gets the deal, unless you're a committed FF like most of the people who are commenting on this thread and now pissed that AC is 'abandoning them' after their years of loyalty.
AC has the ability, if they so choose, to come into a market and take losses for a period of time to build back share, push out weaker competitors who don't have the financial staying power and bring back all of the prodigal FF children.
Right now they are focused on maximizing the International network, which is a clear differentiator against anyone else, particularly those who are going to compete with them on YWG - YXE, or YYC - YQR. If you are a shareholder, probably a good strategy for you!
Co-sign on this, and I would argue that this is even more true now with the advent of Google Flights, OTAs, etc. The average consumer only cares about price (and to a lesser extent any "bad media vibes"), establishment on a route has little impact unless it affects the ability to deliver flights on time.