Originally Posted by diver858

Much less likely as part of OW; There are interesting TPAC destinations where CX, JL and QF do not offer convenient connections, AA is stumbling badly in LAX and TPAC. AS has a real opportunity to turn HNL in to a significant OW hub, compete with UA to the South Pacific, throughout Asia and beyond - particularly as 787's become available. Should also allow AS/OW to more aggressively take on DL in SEA, where AA has retreated from some of its lofty long haul ambitions. Could even provide some juice to AS/OW in the Bay area, assuming AS/HA maintain service to HNL, connections east are timed properly.

Based in SAN, I have reason to believe AS leadership knows how to identify significant niche growth opportunities, execute successfully. Over the past 10 years or so, AS has grown from a few flights daily to PDX and SEA to a major player, with the largest number of nonstop destinations, nonstops intra-California, to the Northeast, Florida and all major Hawaiian Islands.

This is ALK's golden opportunity to take a huge leap forward; BOD should set high expectations for management, bring in experienced leadership if the current team stumbles.

I have no financial stake in ALK, never been part of the airline industry - just lots of BIS miles, AS loyalist.