Quantcast

JetBlue CEO denies merger talks with United Airlines

JetBlue CEO denies merger talks with United Airlines
Policy
Webp joannageraghty
Joanna Geraghty JetBlue Airways CEO | JetBlue Airways Website

JetBlue Airways CEO Joanna Geraghty has denied rumors of merger talks with United Airlines. This statement was made during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual meeting in Delhi, following speculation triggered by a recent partnership between the two airlines.

The "Blue Sky" partnership, announced on May 29, 2025, provides reciprocal benefits for Mileage Plus and TrueBlue members, including earning and using miles on both networks. It is an interline agreement rather than a codeshare, with JetBlue offering slots at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to United Airlines. In exchange, United will provide JetBlue with flight timings at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Geraghty emphasized that JetBlue is cautious about mergers after the U.S. Department of Justice rejected its proposed merger with Spirit Airlines. The goal of that merger was to create a competitive low-fare airline against major carriers like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"We've spent a lot of time with the Department of Justice over the last five years, and we're playing it safe," said Geraghty regarding potential mergers.

The new partnership marks United's return to JFK after more than two decades focused on Newark Liberty International Airport for New York flights.

In related news, United CEO Scott Kirby recently criticized budget airline models but excluded JetBlue from his critique. He described JetBlue as having a different business model focused on customer experience rather than cost-cutting.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that passengers are encouraged to register for the Biomig biometric migration system to avoid lines and delays at participating airports in Colombia.

Oct 27, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced an upgrade to its mobile application, enhancing travel convenience ahead of the holiday season.

Oct 27, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to commence significant renovations aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

Oct 27, 2025