WorldTraveler
Corn Field
- Dec 5, 2003
- 21,709
- 10,662
Too many amateurs are viewing the DL/WN situation in ATL as "you must lose in order for me to win" which is why the most likely outcome is that DL and WN will figure out a way to peacefully coexist, apparently something that few on here can grasp is a viable business strategy for both airlines - and has implications for other aspects of life too.Lets not forget the Delta and Legacy tactic, since some have Alzheimer's and are doomed to repeat their groundhog day-lower fares to rock bottom to drive out competition then raise fares to 1011.99%!
Flaw with that theory is that if you don't eliminate the competition it's an ongoing battle. Me thinks that by the time Delta drives Southwest out of Atlanta almost said that with a straight face Delta will have to charge moon fares!
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WN will make all the noise it wants about what it wants to do in ATL, but they will ultimately will do is what benefits their bottom line... they will have major hub operations in the traditional network carrier hubs of ATL, CHI, Dallas, DEN, Houston, PHL, WAS/BWI plus a decent sized presence in major markets on both coasts which have been long dominated by network carriers.
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What WN lacks that the network carriers have is presence in Canada, Latin America, and the Carribean and Hawaii all of which are relatively easy to do with minor modifications of WN's current business model.
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There is no doubt that WN will grow its presence in ATL - and may increase its share of the market ... but based on the WN model and the competitive responses of DL and other carriers in other markets, the entire market will grow and WN will retain its pro rata share of the new markets.
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Peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit may not be a concept that many people here understand but it is not only the likely result between WN and DL in ATL but will likely also lead to more benefits for more consumers as well as enhanced benefits to both companies as well.
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There are companies that understand that concept and manage to succeed by taking advantage of opportunities where they exist w/o seeing a need to harm someone else in order for themselves to win.