Originally Posted by
pogopossum
I guess the question is will they still make money after a merger? If all of the hubs remain hubs and nothing changes, then they still make money. Why merge?
Or, are you suggesting that Delta spread out from ATL and move flights to multiple, well served airports throughout the east/midwest?
And yes, who cares about Florida?
You make money from consolidating back office functions and airport operations. You can also increase revenue by eliminating competing connections and routing traffic more efficiently.
If anyone thinks all the hubs will survive in their current form, I have a bridge to sell you. There will certainly be some level of cuts, coming from a reduction in 50-seat regional and DC9 flying. Florida focus cities, CVG and MEM are the biggest targets, though MSP would like move from being a heavily banked hnational ub to a more regional and O&D focused operation.