Originally Posted by
NilesStandish
I think this is what the C suite has finally decided to pay attention to. The economics of ICN as a JV hub are great for DL and KE, but not if high value customers don't find value in it. Plus United is quick to pull the trigger on operating just about anywhere in the world and they still pay quite a bit of attention to LAX even with SFO just up the road. DL cant continue to beat the "number 1 in LAX" drum with a straight face while ignoring these important business and "premium leisure" destinations. Im keeping my fingers crossed that MNL and SIN materialize sooner than later and are sustainable for DL long term.
I don't think there was a significant change of heart in DL leadership. Post covid, DL simply didn't have the fleet to operate these routes. And TPAC demand recovered a lot more slowly from covid, making the yields marginal anyway.
Both of those (fleet and yields) have improved substantially now. The time is right for DL to jump in.
As for UA, DL has always been more than happy to let UA operate the low yield routes without feeling the need to compete for those low yields. I don't think that will change.