DL to buy VX?
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California/In the air
Programs: DL
Posts: 10,382
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Formaldehyde Medallion DL DieMiles
Posts: 12,646
#64
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: SEA, or BOS, or MUC, or other places (probably connecting). "Detroit, Michigan is in the Eastern time zone."
Programs: DL PM/1MM, AS 100K, NEXUS/GE, CLEAR, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,201
Fingers crossed that the AS/VX merger causes DL to bring back the 2xMQM deals for SEA-based customers. (Maybe also SFO/LAX? Who knows?)
#65
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,860
Besides, keeping a partial relationship with DL is a good way for AS to keep Mr. Parker honest.
David
#66
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
I think the competition on the premium transcon routes will a source of tension
#68
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
#69
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
#70
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
And assuming that they retain the premium product. With the VX product having fallen pretty far behind at this point, I'm curious whether AS chooses to invest in it, retain it at a discount, or abandons the premium market altogether. They've never offered a product like VX's front cabin, so I'm curious what they would do with it. Indeed, I'm curious what they will do with the back of the bus too. AS has always had a, shall we say, spartan approach to fitting their aircraft, while VX went completely the other way.
I get why AS would want to increase their heft at SFO and elsewhere. I get that they take out a competitor. But the product is just so different and I wonder if they are going to pay $4bn for a handful of gates and some slots at JFK. Because I sure don't see VX customers being enthused about the AS product.
I get why AS would want to increase their heft at SFO and elsewhere. I get that they take out a competitor. But the product is just so different and I wonder if they are going to pay $4bn for a handful of gates and some slots at JFK. Because I sure don't see VX customers being enthused about the AS product.
#71
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SLC & NYC
Programs: Diamond Medallion, Delta Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 674
There are some stories about VX receiving an offer to sell itself and DL is listed as a potential suitor.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...iving-interest
I don't see what DL would do with the operations in SFO and they would most likely have to divest some slots in NY if this went through. But, I'm pretty sure that DL would like to get those two gates at DAL.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...iving-interest
I don't see what DL would do with the operations in SFO and they would most likely have to divest some slots in NY if this went through. But, I'm pretty sure that DL would like to get those two gates at DAL.
#72
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
It would actually DECREASE competition if the government allowed each of the giants to have a merger, then denied that same thing to the smaller airlines.
I believe this merger will be approved in less time than it took me to write this reply.
#73
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
Alaska is one of the best airlines in the world and I have no doubt they will do very well with the acquisition of VX.
#75
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,394
I highly doubt DOJ will block the acquisition.
Not sure, but I'm willing to bet that pre-merger NW, DL, CO, UA, AA, US, WN were all bigger than even a combined AS/VX would be.
Also not sure what AS will do with the leased airbus planes, t-con routes, 2 gates at DAL, and a revenue based FF program. It will be interesting to see how AS handles all of these things as well as integration of the work forces, systems, schedules, etc.
I know why AS is making the purchase, but I wonder if they'll lose some of their sterling reputation they've kept as they haven't had any merger pains while most of their competition has.
Not sure, but I'm willing to bet that pre-merger NW, DL, CO, UA, AA, US, WN were all bigger than even a combined AS/VX would be.
Also not sure what AS will do with the leased airbus planes, t-con routes, 2 gates at DAL, and a revenue based FF program. It will be interesting to see how AS handles all of these things as well as integration of the work forces, systems, schedules, etc.
I know why AS is making the purchase, but I wonder if they'll lose some of their sterling reputation they've kept as they haven't had any merger pains while most of their competition has.