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.