Quantcast

Senator raises concerns over potential impact of united-jetblue partnership

American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Senator raises concerns over potential impact of united-jetblue partnership
Policy
Webp joanna geraghty
Joanna Geraghty CEO at JetBlue Airways | JetBlue Airways Website

A United States senator has raised concerns about the proposed partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as "Blue Sky." The deal aims to provide reciprocal benefits for elite passengers in each airline's loyalty program. However, there are growing worries about its potential impact on competition within the airline industry.

The Blue Sky agreement is expected to benefit both airlines. United Airlines plans to return to New York JFK Airport with an expanded schedule, while JetBlue will gain from flight timings at United's Newark hub. Despite these advantages, questions remain about whether the deal could negatively affect customers, particularly in the Northeast United States.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his concern that the Blue Sky partnership might reduce competition and harm consumers, especially those traveling to New York City. Blumenthal fears it could lead to fewer and more expensive flight options. According to Reuters, he has requested records from United and JetBlue's leadership regarding their planned partnership and future strategies.

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.

Blumenthal also highlighted JetBlue's previous challenges as a cause for concern. The airline had a partnership with American Airlines called the Northeast Alliance, which was blocked by a federal judge after being deemed anticompetitive by the Department of Justice. Blumenthal questioned how JetBlue would ensure that Blue Sky does not unlawfully restrict competition given its past attempts.

Despite differing opinions on how Blue Sky will affect consumers, both airlines stand to gain from the collaboration. While United operates a major hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, it currently lacks presence at New York JFK Airport. Working with JetBlue offers an opportunity for United to establish a competitive schedule and challenge Delta Air Lines at one of its hubs.

JetBlue customers will benefit from access to United's global route network through its website and improved flight timings at Newark Airport if the deal is approved.

In recent years, smaller airlines like JetBlue have faced difficulties due to rising labor costs and increased demand for premium products and long-haul flights. After ending its successful partnership with American Airlines several years ago, JetBlue attempted but failed to acquire Spirit Airlines due to antitrust concerns raised by the Department of Justice.

JetBlue remains optimistic that partnering with United will help improve its fortunes despite potential regulatory hurdles ahead.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines is set to expand its Premium Plus cabin in response to increasing demand for premium economy seats.

Jul 19, 2025

Emirates, the leading operator of Airbus A380 superjumbo jets, continues to find success with this aircraft as a flagship of its fleet.

Jul 19, 2025

An Antonov An-124 aircraft, owned by Antonov Airlines, has departed from Kyiv, Ukraine, after being grounded for over three years.

Jul 19, 2025

An Air China Airbus A350 and an SF Airlines Boeing 767-300ER were involved in a near-miss incident over Russian airspace.

Jul 19, 2025

Airbus is set to start equipping fuselages for its A321 aircraft in China.

Jul 19, 2025

For over five decades, the Boeing 747 has captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts and professionals.

Jul 19, 2025