Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International) has filed a complaint with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) against the partnership between JetBlue Airways and United Airlines, categorising it as “anti-competitive” and similar to the Northeast Alliance joint venture JetBlue had with American Airlines, which a federal judge struck down in 2023.
“At a high level, the proposed 'Blue Sky' link-up between United and JetBlue creates the same anti-competitive incentives present in the NEA,” said Spirit, adding that JetBlue will become “a de facto vassal of United” due to the latter’s far larger global network.
Both companies announced the new partnership earlier in the year. It includes JetBlue providing United access to slots at New York JFK for up to seven daily round-trip flights beginning in 2027, the airlines exchanging flight timings at New York Newark, frequent flyer cooperation, and more. The deal is subject to regulatory review, and both airlines have publicly discarded the possibility of more consolidation efforts in the future, such as a potential merger.
The ultra-low-cost carrier maintained that with 'Blue Sky', United and JetBlue will fundamentally dominate flying from the Northeast United States via tacit coordination that will lead to "both higher fares and higher award point requirements for flights.”
Spirit urged the regulator to extend the review period by 60 days, allow for public comment on the agreements, and determine whether to investigate the joint venture as an unfair method of competition.
In a statement to ch-aviation, JetBlue said that Spirit's filing misrepresents the alliance and twists the facts. It added that both carriers will remain competitors “as they each will continue to publish, price, and market flights independently under their own brand and flight numbers and make independent network decisions.” United referred ch-aviation to JetBlue for comment.
