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United Airlines returns to JFK through new partnership with JetBlue

United Airlines returns to JFK through new partnership with JetBlue
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United Airlines | Wikipedia

United Airlines has announced a partnership with JetBlue, marking its return to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This collaboration, named Blue Sky, differs from the previous Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue.

The agreement involves JetBlue transferring slots at JFK to United Airlines, while JetBlue will receive flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in exchange. The arrangement offers reciprocal benefits for MileagePlus and TrueBlue members, including earning and using miles on flights across both networks. Notably, this partnership includes an interline agreement rather than a codeshare.

Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, described the partnership as "a bold step for the industry," emphasizing the increased choices it provides travelers. She noted that United’s global reach complements JetBlue’s East Coast network. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, highlighted the focus on innovation and customer experience: “The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product... We're always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits.”

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Unlike the NEA, which included a codeshare agreement and faced legal challenges from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Blue Sky does not involve cooperative management of pricing and networks. However, corporate program terms may be extended across flights operated by both airlines.

JetBlue will allocate slots for up to seven daily round-trip flights from JFK to United Airlines. In return, United will provide eight flight timings at Newark Liberty International to JetBlue. United aims to commence flights from JFK by early 2027.

Following the dismantling of the NEA, Geraghty mentioned discussions with potential partners during JetBlue's Q4 2024 earnings call but had no announcements at that time.

In addition to slot exchanges and interline agreements, technological collaboration is part of this partnership. United Airlines plans to use a platform developed by JetBlue’s Paisly for its hotel, car rental, cruise, and package offerings. Conversely, JetBlue will be the first partner airline to implement Kinective Media solutions developed by United Airlines.

Rumors about a possible merger between the two airlines were previously denied by United Airlines in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stating they were not in negotiations or discussions with any other airline.

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