The two carriers were the only major unaffiliated players in the world's top two air travel markets, North America and Europe. The biggest question that remains is who will round out the new grouping in Asia.
Choices are few and far between.
That leaves Korea's Asiana, Malaysia Airlines and Taiwanese carriers China Airlines and EVA Airways as the most likely Pacific partners. Industry observers suggest that regional politics would almost certainly rule out the two Taiwanese candidates. Competition to join the new alliance is likely to be fierce. The key prize is AF and its Paris hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport. While every other major airport in Europe is choked by air traffic and hemmed in by development, Charles de Gaulle is still growing.