I predict there will be a contentious, competitive frequency allocation case for these:
For the last several years, since the Great Recession, there have been plenty of China frequencies, such that UA, AA and DL have simply applied for them, polled their competitors, and when no objections arose, the DOT awarded the frequencies.
This time, I doubt that UA and AA simply consent. I'll bet that both UA and AA make competing applications.
http://news.delta.com/delta-launch-daily-service-between-la-and-beijingLOS ANGELES Delta plans to begin daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport on Dec. 16, 2016, pending U.S. Department of Transportation and foreign government approval.
L.A., the largest market for service to Asia, drives 21 percent of all U.S.-Asia demand, and the start of Beijing service marks Deltas fifth daily nonstop flight to the Asia-Pacific region in addition to Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Shanghai and Sydney. Shanghai service was added in July 2015, and Delta will be the only carrier to offer service to both Beijing and Shanghai from Los Angeles. The launch of service is timed to capture peak holiday and Chinese New Year traffic.
For the last several years, since the Great Recession, there have been plenty of China frequencies, such that UA, AA and DL have simply applied for them, polled their competitors, and when no objections arose, the DOT awarded the frequencies.
This time, I doubt that UA and AA simply consent. I'll bet that both UA and AA make competing applications.