Originally Posted by redtailshark
What implication does this have for WP I wonder?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...89#post4230489
I have two concerns about this. First, if this move affects KL, how can there not be spillover into other SkyTeam partner relationships? And second, look at the timing of this: IMMEDIATE discontinuation, as of this minute (or when md posted the thread above). That's rare among the world of FFP and sets what I see as a disturbing precedent.
RTS
I doubt it has anything to do with Skyteam and everything to do with KL's semi-merger with AF and sharing of their new FF program.
AS was not a Skyteam member (nor a OneWorld member) but maintained individual partnerships with a number of members of both alliances, but not AF. Since KL & AF now share their own FF program, it appears that KL will have the same relationship as AF previously had to AS, i.e. none, rather than bringing AF into the partnership.
It's bad new for AS flyers because it reduces their options for European travel substantially.
It's not good news for NW because business from a bunch of AS customers likely will shift to other AS partners such as BA & AA & CO & DL. For example, someone who might have flown NW to AMS & connected on KL to FCO or ATH would just book a direct flight to FCO or ATH on DL. BA would offer connections within Europe although they only credit 25% miles on cheaper fares.