Indeed, where to begin
Scrooge wrote:I cannot see DL spending $600m on a non controlling stock purchase, however, if SRB can be convinced to sell part of his 51% to AF/KL then who knows.
From my view point, it's not so much VS, but the large number of LHR slots that DL is looking at, with that said, a VS/DL joint venture would be able to run an hourly shuttle service from JFK in much the same way as BA/AA are doing now.
As JCBR said, SQ will not necessarily be selling for the purchase price, however I do get your point. SRB unlikely to sell part of the 51% in my opinion, but you cannot deny that even at 49% it is a pretty beneficial deal for delta if they have anyone vaguely competent to push their agenda.
Scrooge wrote:SQ have wanted out for years, they just couldn't find anyone willing to spend the money to take a non controlling position in VS.
My two pence on this one. They bought in and looked to cash out around 2006, however since drumming up no interest they have left it on the back burner (I have seen nothing but rumour since) They have not made any advances towards making a package to sell on and have just seen how things go. Now if all these rumours are true and SQ are finally packaging their stake for sale... well we shall see about that one.
Scrooge wrote:Neil wrote:Threads merged 
About time you did something.
And as a mod yourself should you not be taking a look to clean up every now and again... or would you be the 49%, SQ equivalent, that sits back and lets the 51% do everything else for you.
I'm going to say thank you Neil for keeping this clean and tidy.
Scrooge wrote:Ok, as a 49% investor DL will have no say in staffing. They need AF/KL to get 2% of VS, then they can start to flex their muscles somewhat.
A little more complicated than that .... it is still 49% say of what goes, they make a balanced argument that will be profitable for all concerned and watch management follow through.
If he does give anything up, also assuming AF/KL play along with DL as opposed to the SRB holding of course... this is talking about a deal separate to an alliance, AF/KLM and DL will be diff entities across that table.
Scrooge wrote:If/when DL and VS tie up their FF programs DL FF's will look at it and laugh, the majority of them will be unwilling to pay to fuel surcharge, the medallion holder will throw their toys from their prams at the idea.
Hmmm, do not know much about the DL FF's although given the market, agreed ii)
Scrooge wrote:On top of that, in most ways the DL J product is superior to the VS product, the only place where VS is better is the W cabin.
As I said above, DL/VS could easily start an hourly shuttle on the JK/LHR route.
Disagree on this one I am afraid, DL J product is not superior, take something apart and judge it's pieces you are not going to be able to take into account the full product... as slinky says, break it down and they may very well be only a slight nudge to VS however take it as a product offering and I think that VS brings it together far better than DL.
(Assuming you mean JFK(USA) as opposed to JK(Jakarta) airport) An hourly shuttle between JFK and LHR??? Where are the magical take off and landing slots going to come from? Would they even have enough interest to fill a flight an hour?!? I say no.. xx( Delta has 1 LHR to NYC VS has 4.. appear to be missing a few. I think that any DL involvement will be trying to push a VS flight or two to its hub in ATL, will be an interesting result for VX though won't it
Always a pleasure Scrooge 8D