Slide 1 of 3
July 5 (UPI) — JetBlue has confirmed the end of its partnership with American Airlines, following a court order in May that required the two carriers to terminate the agreement due to antitrust laws.
Based in New York City, JetBlue will now focus on preserving its proposed merger with low-cost airline Spirit Airlines, as stated in the company’s official statement.
JetBlue is formally ending its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines to avoid antitrust claims by the Justice Department. The current agreement allowed the two carriers to share passengers, revenue, and coordinate schedules.
“Terminating the NEA eliminates the U.S. Department of Justice’s concerns regarding our partnership with a legacy carrier,” the airline stated.
“In light of this, the DOJ should reconsider and support our plan to introduce a national low-fare competitor to the Big Four. The flying public deserves better than the status quo. The DOJ itself has recognized the benefits of JetBlue’s disruptive impact on the industry, and we are open to addressing any remaining concerns they may have.”
A federal judge ruled in May that the partnership between American Airlines and JetBlue violated antitrust laws, leading to its cancellation.
JetBlue reassured customers that their existing travel plans will not be affected by this announcement.
Last year, JetBlue announced its intention to acquire Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion, which would establish JetBlue as the fifth-largest airline in the United States.
Founded in 1990, Spirit Airlines, based in Florida, positions itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier. Its board of directors approved the merger last year.
American regulators, including the Justice Department, expressed concerns about the deal.
Texas-based American Airlines plans to appeal the court ruling that mandated the termination of the NEA.
“The NEA has fostered healthy competition, and an incorrect judicial decision disregarding the consumer benefits of the NEA has resulted in an anti-competitive outcome,” the company stated.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
