Originally Posted by
moondog
If the JX can outlast DL on SEA-TPE, AS would presumably be somewhat happy, but I'm not sure why we haven't seen any coordinated attacks on key markets Delta is relying upon to fill planes (e.g. SLC, DEN, MSP). Maybe, they're just waiting until it goes daily (i.e. strike only after they are fully armed).
Switching topics, I thought CZ gave up on OW long ago. Having partnerships with the 3 OW airlines that matter most to them while not paying dues or opening up their lounges to the masses is a win-win in my book. Plus, they still have one toe (MF) firmly implanted in Skyteam.
JX should outlast DL cause SEA is a port indicating JX can work outside of the traditional Taiwanese markets (JFK, LAX, SFO). I mean SEA is still a Taiwanese focused market, but it has way more transfer passengers than the other three.
I don't see JX killing SEA unless they are merged into BR or bought by CI per government regulations (meaning they go out of business). The bilaterals the Taiwanese airlines have only have open skies to North America and Australia for long haul so JX has to make North America work (Australia market is much worse in this regard as the Taiwanese airlines cannot do transit business to China). They need lots of flights and ports from North America to fill the planes to Southeast Asia. As of now, it's only DL doing the deep discounts (and limited to SEA-TPE only). DL's other markets within the US domestic cities are heavily aligned to UA's pricing via SFO.
We have yet to see any of the Taiwanese airlines jump in to cut throat besides the inaugural (resumed flight) offer that was set to discount till end of November this year (but tickets had to be purchased ahead of time during the promotion back to Spring). A more clear picture may arrive in couple months when there is another non-peak period after Chinese New Year.
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CZ may have now appear to be not interested in alliances but it's unlikely they will refuse an offer from OW. I mean, what's the reason to depart from Skyteam when you have spent millions to get into one (and like you said, leave affiliate MF in it)? It's like CA in Star and CX in OW sailing in two ships. While DL joining MU may have some influence, it's not like DL is being super close to MU. DL still funnels more pax to ICN after getting KE to agree to JV. Membership renewal fees being the reason seems to be ??? to me.
The tier-ed members from other airlines are still getting passes to use CZ or other airline lounges in the Chinese airport, it's not like CZ is earning lots of cash by having Skyteam members pay for usage with the international traffic being low to China.
In my opinion CZ may have thought AA buying their shares for the slots in PEK as chances to OW, but it was just never there so it's now been described as CZ was never interested in OW to save face.