VS may profit from EU Approval of AA/BA/IB

It seems that VS could possibly profit from the joint venture between AA/IB/BA thay has been approved by the EU this week.

Of course we all know that SRB and SR have been very vocal in expressing their displeasure at the possible tie up between the three carriers. However despite the lobbying, the EU have approved the tie up.

So how does VS profit? Well the EU have approved the link provided that BA/AA offer the following routes and slots to other carriers:

1 daily flight from either LHR/LGW to DFW
1 daily flight from either LHR/LGW to MIA
1 daily flight from either LHR/LGW to NYC
1 daily flight from either LHR/LGW to BOS

The new carrier can select if they fly from LHR or LGW however given the current climate I would imagine all the new carriers will select LHR.

Looking at it I would imagine that DL will jump at the LHR-NYC slot. There are rumours that VS could look at DFW with a possible tag on to somewhere like MEX. I personally do not see it, however surely MIA or BOS would be interesting to VS, especially with the new aircraft arriving next year.

As is typical with Brussels the drafting of the agreement is rather confusing.Anyway the general gist is that the above services will be offered to DL/CO/VS and any other carriers wishing to operate on the routes (however given the disaster AF had I doubt we will see any European carriers going in for the slots).

Thoughts people?

The fact that only 4 slots were being released is one reason why SRB is so against the deal. It was expected that a lot more would have to be given up by BA/AA

I agree with Tonty - it's a miserable allocation of slots for the deal, and, note, BA have confirmed that they will be able to lease them at commercial rates too.

Secondly, the routes are unattractive. VS has been running 343s to BOS recently, there's no O&D traffic for a second daily flight with good yields, VS pulled the 25/26 from JFK, DFW is AA's fortress hub so I can't imagine VS going there, and I'm doubtful MIA could sustain a second flight too. All in all, it's a very hollow offering and BA / AA must be rubbing their hands in glee!

Did VS not at one point in the last 2-3 years operate a second daily flight to BOS. I seem to recall somewhere in the back of my memory that they did (no I am not getting confused with IAD).

Must admit having really looked at it, I can't see what VS can do. MIA could possibly, at a real long stretch, take an extra 330 but that is a really long stretch, and would really only be in the high cruising season and kiddies holidays.