Savings
20Driver,
You may well be right, but the theory is that when you throw 2 operations in the same field together - there are some one time synergies - that can be massive - and there will be some ongoing operational synergies that will show up repeatedly on the bottom line, every year. See Huck's post for some details.
This is especially true on the international networks I expect - thake somewhere that both airlines fly to - they only need one set of staff (all be it perhaps slightly expanded) and can probably reduce gate requirements and due to new mass get better deals from local suppliers.
That is the theory - practice - good mergers are rare (there is always blood and often a lot of bad feelings) and efficient mergers ever rarer. I've been in 12 takeovers or mergers and 2 were very successful the others so-so - but all were painful.
The biggest risk is the good people leave of their own accord and you are left with the worst of both bunches!!!
The solution for anybody involved - keep your head down - work perfectly and very quickly - be helpful, polite and efficient, if not friendly, towards your new colleagues and management - get as many brownie points with the customers as you can - for the new company (and automatically for yourself)
Good luck to all and for those willing to move - think of China, India or the UAE, if your family/partner situation allows - that's where the work is.