Quantcast

Spirit Airlines challenges JetBlue-United partnership over competition concerns

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
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
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
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

FedEx Express, a leading express transportation company, is advancing its efforts in India to equip young individuals with skills relevant to the digital and logistics sectors.

Jul 22, 2025

LATAM Airlines Group has decided to upgrade its Airbus A319 fleet due to a shortage of new aircraft.

Jul 22, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new passenger service from Addis Ababa to Hanoi, marking the first flight between these two cities.

Jul 22, 2025

In recent weeks, severe weather has caused significant travel disruptions across the United States.

Jul 22, 2025

When travelers think of major U.S. gateways to Europe, airports like New York's JFK, Chicago O'Hare, or Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson typically come to mind.

Jul 22, 2025

The Dragon Bravo wildfire has led to the evacuation and closure of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park for the rest of 2025.

Jul 22, 2025