Delta Air makes still more aggressive moves in Seattle as Alaska Airlines pledges to defend itself

As Delta Air Lines continues a seemingly open attack on its partner Alaska Air Group at its Seattle hub, Alaska Airlines is stressing that alliances like its long-time pact with Delta are complicated. Its overall message is that it will work with Delta where it is mutually beneficial and compete vigorously as Delta continues its encroachment.

Delta's latest moves are in two of Alaska's key north-south markets on the US Pacific west coat - Portland and Seattle. Ironically, Delta seems to be practicing what Alaska executives recently stressed to analysts - removing emotion from evolving competitive dynamics. As Delta continues its moves into Alaska's markets unabated, it certainly is showing no emotion as Seattle continues to rise in prominence in Delta's domestic and international network.

Just how the current competitive build-up by Delta in Alaska's markets will affect their long-term relationship is uncertain. But in the meantime Alaska continues to post financial results that are among the best in the US industry, which means that it has a strong foundation from which to defend itself.