Baltia Air Lines Inc. (fka BLTA)

[phl08]

Interesting comment from the CCO of LED.

I'm sure they've begged DL, AA and UA to fly LED from NYC. DL would have a hard time justifying it after backing out of Moscow. AA uses all their JFK slots for LAX, SFO and LHR. They've actually been pulling back their European routes from JFK and building up PHL, which has more AA European destinations than any of their other hubs. UA would be a good contender, as well, from EWR.

My gut tells me that if it happens, it will be with Aeroflot. They have the Russian market and loyalty.

Indirect traffic to the US is very high, with many connecting mostly via Moscow and Helsinki. The top unserved destination is New York, and it is on our top priority list to develop this route. We had success in discussions with a few carriers before the economic conditions changed in Russia a few years ago. We have also had discussions with several airlines regarding the possibility of fifth-freedom rights to fly via St. Petersburg onto the US, and this is a business opportunity that we are working closely on, as well as continuing talks with other carriers.”