Now, before you shout me down, I just want to point out that this article seems to imply that Kingfisher has been considering its options. I *assume* that they will be going Skyteam (as they're in bed with NW and DL at least) but... any thoughts on whether they'd be a good addition to OW, especially with the various Jet/Sahara issues ongoing?

The reality is that all 3 alliances are chasing the 3 major players (9W, AI/IC and KF).
9W has been closer to SkyTeam airlines, and AI have had a relationship with LH - so that leaves OW and KF :-)

The reality is that while AI/IC might just resume negotations with Star once the merger is complete, 9W is in hurry to get into any alliance just yet.

9W also code share with QF for flights from SIN to India, so there is a link there (though QF and OZ codeshare on the SYD/ICN route....so I suppose that this doesn't mean much!)

I wonder if BA would want 9W in though- I think the LHR-India route would be pretty profitable for BA, and 9W now offers a good product on that route.Once they get stronger, it could be tough competition for BA to LHR.

I would like to see one of the Indian airlines get into OW soon though- the current offerings are pretty poor when compared to the *A offerings.

Its "IT"

Kingfisher just linked up with CO as well, so it would seem pretty shocking for them to not go Skyteam at this point...

I don't see anything on CO, do you have a source?

But I thought that 9W was setting up a hub in BRU instead of going thru LHR....

9W is not interested in joining any alliance anytime soon....they seem happy being independant....but it would seem like a smart idea to join an alliance....

Never mind...

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070705/lath033.html?.v=101

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 ...