There's no Application Form, no CV. Think would-be franchisee: the minnow operator of the asset (hotel, airline) fancies a hunk as revenue feeder, so suggests that the luster of gorilla's cluster would glow with moi: "this market is about to surge; the other lot are wooing me, but I like you". NewCo blags to cause busy (UA+LH; AA+BA; DL/NW+AF/KL) to notice his existence; maybe start with a half-decent pro-rate on his home miles of gorilla's long haul tariffs. Not yet exclusive, code-share; gorilla will discuss Team, Quality only after a couple of seasons' performance.
The "best" partner is the first one to show interest. Same way most spinsters become wives. Remember, alliance (marriage) is not intrinsically a good thing. Some, confident in their own skin, choose not to bother. Your thrust should be to build a good Local Service Provider; hunk(s) will then come a-wooing.