Could EOS/Silverjet join *A?
 

Just throwing out the question. Since the NYC-LON route is a clear void in the Star Alliance route network, adding one of these all-business carriers would be a first step to closing the gap. They would be certain to attract the business travelers on the route as well.

Of course, there is the obvious problem of Stansted/Luton for these flights. Not exactly major *A hubs... :) But for point-to-point traffic, they could do, particularly considering that these airlines provide car service.

JFK>LHR Star Alliance
 

What I can't understand is why VirginAtlantic doesn't join up. Branson has said he wants to put VirginAmerica in most markets - so wouldn't a link up between Virgin, UA and US makes good sense?

Apparently not to Sir Richard. He'll probably put together an all-virgin alliance at some point. Even if he does decide to go with a different alliance, why would *A be better for him than one of the others?

VS is 49% owned by SQ.

Actually, I believe BMI and UA vetoed VS joining the Star Alliance. While it would be nice if EOS or the like joined, chances are UA wouldn't like it one bit, and they do have veto power...

Air India has a NYC-LON route (aircraft stops in LHR on its way back to india) and is apparently slated to join the star alliance soon.

Yep, and they have a real competitive product too!:D:p

They are buying a bunch of new boeings (777LR for these long haul routes) so that takes care of the plane. Service - I think they forced the fifty plus and too fat stewardesses to take ground duties (and there's some US airlines where the stewardesses are just as grumpy as in AI). So, I dare say there should be some amount of change.

My feeling on AI purchasing 77L is that they are going non-stop to India from JFK without stopping at LHR. So, if AI drops JFK-LHR, then what happens? :p

Not for long, they are looking for a buyer.

There is more chance of bmi competing directly on the LHR-NYC route - especially if todays rumours are true and they get the codeshare agreements approved with UA...

The status quo, amusingly enough, works for me. I credit my VS flights to my Delta account and use my BD status to use VS's lounge in London. I hope the increased Star Alliance presence on NYC-LON does not come at the expense of messing up those things.

SINGAPORE (AP) - Singapore Airlines said it is disappointed with the returns on its investment in Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airways and is ...


Just thought I would throw this out there....it seems more logical though that VS would joining *A than one because of BA...and SkyMiles is too small a group?

Air India's joining Star Alliance is what the Indian Civil Aviation Minister wants.