Quantcast

Spirit Airlines challenges JetBlue-United partnership over competition concerns

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Spirit Airlines challenges JetBlue-United partnership over competition concerns
Policy
Webp spiritairlines
Spirit Airlines | Official Website

Spirit Airlines is maintaining its opposition to the 'Blue Sky' agreement between JetBlue and United Airlines, describing their response as an attempt to divert attention from the partnership's anti-competitive nature. Spirit first lodged a complaint in June, urging the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review 'Blue Sky' and make agreements public for stakeholder scrutiny.

Spirit requested a 60-day extension for the DOT's review period and publication of relevant agreements. The airline argues that JetBlue and United focused on minor aspects of 'Blue Sky,' ignoring significant concerns. Spirit insists that public input is crucial for evaluating such joint ventures.

The low-cost carrier emphasized the DOT's responsibility to assess potential anti-competitive impacts, even if they don't breach the Sherman Act. Spirit highlighted parallels with the Northeast Alliance (NEA), which violated this act, stressing that public interest must be considered before approving 'Blue Sky.'

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.

Spirit contends that legacy airlines have long sought to stifle low-fare competition since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. It claims these airlines control key competitive levers: loyalty programs, airport real estate at hubs like JFK, and pricing power on international routes.

JetBlue and United Airlines labeled Spirit's concerns as speculative, defending 'Blue Sky' as a pro-competition agreement benefiting consumers by expanding flight options and enhancing loyalty benefits. The partnership includes reciprocal loyalty program benefits and interline agreements, with slot exchanges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and New York-JFK starting in 2027.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Allegiant Air has announced a promotional offer on the social media platform X, providing a $100 discount on Las Vegas air and hotel packages.

Jul 22, 2025

EVA Air has announced a free Wi-Fi upgrade for all cabin classes on select aircraft, available from July 1 through September 30.

Jul 22, 2025

Emirates announced on X that it will add a third daily flight to Dublin starting October 26, providing morning, afternoon, and evening departures for greater flexibility.

Jul 22, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on the social media platform X that it is now offering twice-daily flights from Juba to Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kigali, and Entebbe.

Jul 22, 2025

Etihad Airways has announced the activation of its codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, enhancing access to 55 African destinations and connecting Africa with Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Jul 22, 2025

Alaska Airlines announced on the social media platform X that it, along with Horizon Air, is working to restore normal operations following a significant IT outage.

Jul 22, 2025