The global aviation war is on make no mistake about that. Alliances are critical just like WW2 when Australia had no chance without Uncle Sam coming to our aid. The individual Australian fighting man was equal to anyone but we did not have critical mass or resources. Same goes in aviation when you look where the big players are and the big markets are. Why would a guy in China choose QF over his own home carrier to come to Oz for example.? the Chinese carrier has a network in China vs. QF nil without an alliance...