Originally Posted by SwissexLUG (Post 14371993)

The integration process will be a challenge but I don't think AB is a "classical" LCC like Ryanair or easyJet. AB already works more or less like a network carrier and this may help in the integration process.

Some features:
- AB allows connections and checks your bags through
- AB has a frequent flyer program with other airline partners (S7 among others)
- AB has two classes of services (long-haul)
- AB uses main airports (e.g. FRA,TXL instead of Hahn or Schönfeld), most of which already have a OW lounge
- AB's IT is connected to the ESTA, API databases for US bound passengers
- you can buy AB ticket through consolidators and/or online agencies (e.g. ebookers, expedia.de, etc.)
- you should be able to buy AB tickets through TAs as well (I'm not sure though)
- AB has a limited hub-and-spoke model in TXL & DUS (you can for instance fly from ZRH via DUS to MIA, your bag is checked through, you get boarding passes for the DUS-MIA leg in ZRH, the check-in agent at ZRH enters your API details for the US and checks whether you are ESTA compliant, etc.)


AB is more like B6 in the US which offers you connecting flights, booking via online agencies such as Expedia, etc. They are a low-fare network carrier.

Originally Posted by IC6A (Post 14371942)

I guess they want:
1>, OW Frequent flyers who may purchase its Business class ticket to support their revunue on long haul routes
2>, OW's network so AB can sell ticket in Germany to its members to anywhere in the world
3>, OW's structure that will make AB more competitive
4>, OW's leisure travelers who will use AB's European network to travel within EU. AB will have the potential to sell majority of the Europe Pass sectors for its frequency and network.
5>, OW's member airlines to work together with AB to make DUS a better hub with a future Berlin hub in the new Berlin airport which due to open in 2012. So when AB fully integrated into OW (possibly late 2011 early 2012) OW will have the new Berlin BBL airport (code BER) as one hub
6>, OW's international routes into Frankfurt so AB could benefits from the codeshare out of FRA.

Originally Posted by stimpy (Post 14373775)

As far as I can tell, this benefits only Germans

Originally Posted by DownUnderFlyer (Post 14376774)

I agree with all of this. However I don't think the advantage for AB is as strong as it might be for a carrier better connected at the classical hubs.

Originally Posted by CXBA (Post 14376063)

posts like yours are so unhinged and full of rubbish that seems to me AB accession to OW has irked many die hard supporters of the yellow-and-blue cancer :). Perhaps they were expecting emperor Mayrhuber to step in and snap in a moment this last fastidious home mosquito, although with the current disastrous situation of German banking system it is unclear where LH would get the easy cash they're used to. As for airline profitability, unlike you I am not sure if LH would be one of those without the continuous unwavering support of government, regulators (domestic and EU) and financial establishment.
Potentially unstable fellow travelers. One more reason for me to further avoid travel with LH. :D

Originally Posted by Traveloguy (Post 14375987)

BA was profitable up until the global financial collapse. You write as if it was decades ago and the company is still provided with support from the government. Let's not rewrite history to suit a little journalistic hypochondria!

Originally Posted by Flying Lawyer (Post 14378082)

Unwavering support of government? Sorry, but you obviously suffer from some kind of airline paranoia. :p

Originally Posted by stimpy (Post 14373775)

As far as I can tell, this benefits only Germans and the only business value to BA and Finnair is an attack on Lufthansa. Right?

Originally Posted by Shuttle (Post 14378158)

So, the repeated denial by the authorities for additional frequencies/access to new airports in Germany requested by Middle Eastern-based carriers is not due to tacit government support for a certain German-based airline?.

Originally Posted by Shuttle (Post 14378158)

Compare with the abundant growth of London and regional airports in the UK served by Emirates, Qatar, Ethihad...

Originally Posted by Shuttle (Post 14378158)

Then we have the example of Emirates, amongst others, being forced to raise prices by the German Government because they were undercutting Lufthansa:

Originally Posted by lhahne (Post 14378273)

I think Finnair wants AB to feed its large Asian operation as AB has Asian routes only to Thailand.

Originally Posted by DownUnderFlyer (Post 14376774)

AB has a lot of point to point connections outside Germany and with their hub in Palma is a nice option for that corner of the Mediterranean as well.

Originally Posted by stimpy (Post 14378338)

I am pretty ignorant of AB since they don't serve my airport (LYS). And since LH does serve LYS (to FRA, MUC and DUS), all my trips to Germany are with LH or by train. If AB were to add LYS as a destination, I would certainly be interested!

Originally Posted by Flying Lawyer (Post 14378505)

What they actually do it to fly into PMI (i) from the Portugese and Spanish mainland and the other Balearic Ilses and (ii) from plenty of German major and regional airports and some European (AMS, BSL, GRZ, VIE, INN, CPH, SZG, ZRH) airports and offer quite convenient connections between these regions via PMI in some cases three times a day. It always looks quite impressive to have a fleet of 20 or so read AB birds in the PMI evening sun.

Originally Posted by Flying Lawyer (Post 14375154)

And what they certainly need is a capable US addition. OW' AA is currently competing with *A's US, UA, CO and AC. The addition of AB brings OW back into the heart of Europe and this is certainly a move into the right direction, however they need a bit more to compete with giant LH.

Originally Posted by Flying Lawyer (Post 14378101)

So the global financial collapse for BA began in early 2007 when the share price went down dramatically?