Unless Star rejects AI/IA looks as though Star and AI will go together. That leaves 9W or IT for OW. 9W, despite some overlap with BA on LHR routes is well suited for OW to extend their foot print in India and India to SouthEast Asia routes. Star has SQ, TG, etc. OW has not that much from India to South East Asia. 9W already works well with QF and also BA. They do co-operate with other non-OW carriers as well but are a better fit for OW. IT seems to be heading the Skyteam way.

While 9W may interline with multiple carriers, they do need a strong global alliance once they get their new long haul planes. The hub in Brussels enables them to partner with other carriers besides OW but OW is a natural alliance for them.

Let us see ...