Why would that be such an obvious conclusion? My Machiavellian side suggests otherwise...
After BCG helpfully derailed the J*HK process by fully displaying the arrogance of youth
, China Eastern gained unexpected access to a reputably experienced LCC set-up team (sans BCG) that allowed them to advance their schedule for a domestic Chinese LCC before too many other players get a foothold. I don't understand why people think that China Eastern see the issue as a binary decision between J*HK or a domestic Chinese LCC.
Why wouldn't you have a LCC strategy that allows you to grab both ends of such a significant market pair as HK and mainland China? Moving in both camps must lessen the overall risk of failure in one place or the other.
Turned their back? I don't think so...
