Quantcast

Senator raises concerns over potential impact of united-jetblue partnership

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
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