Quote:
Originally Posted by CloudInspector
I could see WS adding YVR-JFK. It would be a good addition, seeing as how they already serve JFK from YYC and the JV with Delta would help build connections at both ends.
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Let's not forget that between DL, AC and UA, there is still a decent amount of capacity between Vancouver and New York in the summertime.
DL already serves YVR-JFK seasonally. I dont think WS will be able to compete on YVR- NYC before the JV is approved (at least not with a B737), because they would essentially be competing with DL to JFK and with AC - which has the corporate traffic tied up nicely with the daytime B789- and UA on YVR-EWR). It would also go against the WS strategy of feeding the YYC hub. Why feed DL at JFK when you can feed your own hub at YYC? Also, on the westbound leg, it's not like WS has much to offer the DL clientele through YVR. So they would need to rely on O&D.
Maybe DL could go year round JFK-YVR because of this (although US Point of sale is highly seasonal on the route), or AC adding a second daily flight (a red eye, but that departs early enough to make use of the preclearance). Once the DL/WS JV gets approved, WS could takeover the route.
If WS really wants to compete on YVR-JFK, they would need to match AC and send a B789 on the route, to try and steal some corporate traffic away from AC. But they would be chasing mostly O&D and would run the risk of running the route at a deficit for a few years, while they build up their brand on the route. Ideally, they would announce some YVR-Asia flights to go along a YVR-JFK. The chances of all of this happening? Not great.
Remember, all signs point to a recession just around the corner.
My 2 cents.