Originally Posted by
PLeblond
KL/AF are in the midst of integrating SK and less further along than LH with AZ.Come to think of it... what does TP offer IAG in essence…or to any others? I can see the benefits from EI v/v BA as the country has a firm relationship with the UK and thus there is a natural traffic pattern.
What does TP bring to the table apart from some TATL routes between Portugal and Brazil? Brazil’s biggest trading partner in Europe is The Netherlands so I could see KL being interested. And as a member of *A LH Group already has ties with TP. Having lost SK, I get the feeling they won’t want to lose any more traffic from the Alliance, if it makes sense.
Does TP even have a place as a standalone carrier inthe next decade?
Actually, the Ireland v UK link was not that much of a factor for the IAG purchase of EI, it was the simple fact that Dublin (at the time) wasn't slot constrained and could be used to launch a whole host of new transatlantic routes which BA would struggle with given LHR's 'full' status. The proof is the number of new North American destinations EI has launched since the take-over and BA is also very happy to funnel a lot of economy passengers via EI (40% of their North American capacity was used by transit passengers last year).
TAP has a very strong grip on the Europe - Brasil market and I think this is an easy way for IAG to essentially guarantee they are No.1 in terms of passengers and freight to South American via Lisbon and Madrid if the take-over went through. Lisbon will eventually get a new airport and thus more slots will open up, but with such a strong historical connection between the Iberian peninsula and South America, having the 2 flag carriers for Spain and Portugal in your stable gives you a huge presence and revenue opportunity.
Pilot37