The original alliance, in addition to reflecting some common ownership (David Bonderman, etc.) was designed to supplement the route structure CO gave up when the Denver hub was closed. At one point, most Western airport stations CO continued to service (like SEA) had HP actually handling all functions for them. As CO has regained its footing, and established it's Western US presence largely as spokes from its dominant hubs in Newark and Houston, the alliance has diminished in strategic importance. There is a relationship with Frontier out of Denver, and of course the NW codeshare is enormous. There are also significant differences in the quality of service between HP and CO, something CO is very mindful of (ditto the NW situation). As of last year, HP drastically reduced the reciprocal benefits CO passengers had been enjoying. Forgetting the TW deal, which has allowed HP to construct a replacement source of feed from the East (where HP is weaker), it is an open secret in the investment community that HP has been looking for a buyer. Evidently, it has determined that CO is no longer in that category. Life goes on.

[This message has been edited by deelmakur (edited 12-31-2000).]