new members of airline alliances

But the strength of that American connection would be questionable. Currently KLM’s relationship with Northwest gives KLM huge traffic creditability and a large footing into the American market, whereas any sort of relationship with AA would never be so intensive. AA will always concentrate more on BA as a partner, if KLM and AA strike up a partnership it just makes it even harder for a hopeful ATI between BA/AA and also in the short run, a lot of traffic going to Amsterdam. It just doesn’t work out for BA especially.

Moreover, KLM and BA overlap, if they were both in the same alliance then who was the “big shot” would leave huge issues of importance as KLM regards itself as an European major. Therefore, KLM would always be in the shadow of the BA/AA relationship, a position they could avert through Skyteam.

America West and BA have some deal on routes on the West coast I think. They are shown on the “High Life” map anyway.

Funnily enough this is true, but Virgin and America West also have an agreement, so it seems that America West is getting the best of both worlds.

Some say that KLM/NW breakup is pointless, but if KLM are in doubt then would’nt they not be better off with OneWorld. They will then have the strong euro connections with BA without the “seperate no frills airlines” tagging along and still have an American connection with AA.

America West and BA have some deal on routes on the West coast I think. They are shown on the “High Life” map anyway.

is KLM double minded about breaking the NW-KLM alliance?

Originally posted by KabirT
I read in the papers here today that KLM was still not sure weather to join SkyTeam or not.

Will KLM ever make a decision?!?!

Whether or not an airline flies long haul is not a real factor in determining if they join an alliance or not. The real judgement is what they actually offer to an alliance, possibly in terms of connections. Alaska Airlines has a rather extensive West Coast network where Oneworld has a slight weakness. It would, therefore, be quite a good general fit into the alliance with AA connections, who they already code-share with. However, Alaska has co-operation with airlines like Continental so it is more of a recommendation.

Moreover, when alliances like Star and Skyteam seemingly are taking new American members, Oneworld could do with some new strength in this area and this could undoubtedly come from an airline such as Alaska.

With JAL, well they just seem a natural fit into Oneworld but there are conflicts with Skyteam in areas as they have strong relationships with Korean and Air France. However, at the moment JAL is one of the few airlines that can keep on the sidelines, a bit like SAA who need to just be prodded.

I read in the papers here today that KLM was still not sure weather to join SkyTeam or not.

Hi,

I suspect JAL and Alaska Airlines could be future possibilities.

I doubt if Alaska Airlines will join. All oneworld members fly long-haul, Alaska Airlines don’t fly long-haul.

Nationwide Air

However it can often swing the other way. LOT had codeshares with several OneWorld members, including BA, however decided to join STAR in the end.
As they say it ain’t over until the fat Lady sings!

At the moment there are some big decisions going on in terms of alliances. I believe SkyTeam will be in for a huge boost quite soon with Continental, Northwest and good ole’ partner KLM seemingly joining. I suspect possibly there might be a new South East Asian carrier joining also, someone like China Southern or a defect from Star if rumours are true.

Oneworld annoys me how they do not take on new members. Now I suppose that BA/AA can code-share to some extent, some carriers might show interest. I suspect JAL and Alaska Airlines could be future possibilities. To a lesser extent maybe also China Eastern. On the European front it would be just Swiss. They would give BA a major secondary hub in Europe through Zurich, which would offer tremendous scope for the alliance’s future.

With Star I would possibly say Air China as they code-share with Lufthansa and United and Star has said it would like to capture the Chinese market. US Airways and LOT are joining also.

the new members looking to join alliances are Swiss, KLM(?), Air India(Skyteam), these are the ones that were in news recently for tie-ups.