airlnes and alliances, communications homework help

according to strategic management book, a strategic alliance is a
partnership btween firms whereby their resources and capabilities are
combined to create a competitive advantge. so what is for an airline
compay such as Unite. American or one of the three main alliances (one
world, star or skyteam) 

Questions:

1. In
   general, why do airlines form an alliance with one another (particularly
   internationally) rather than expanding by acquisition?
2. What is the history of the alliance to which you were assigned?
3. Describe
   the main benefits that airlines hope to gain through membership. What
   is the competitive advantage of your particular alliance (if you find
   there is one)?
4. Categorise the alliance in terms of the three
   types of strategic alliance. Also describe the cooperative strategy of a
   member firm in relation to its business-level and corporate level
   strategy.
5. Think through issues of the future of airline
   alliances. If you were the CEO of a major US airline, what might worry
   you about your particular alliance, if anything?