On the heels of Thursday’s announcement of a new partnership with United, JetBlue told employees it has no plans to merge with the Chicago-based carrier.
The two airlines’ new partnership includes reciprocal loyalty benefits for members of both frequent flier programs. In addition, JetBlue will give United slots at New York-JFK, with the carrier set to resume service at the airport in 2027.
Dubbed “Blue Sky,” this agreement does not include codesharing, similar to American’s Northeast Alliance with JetBlue, which was struck down by a federal judge over antitrust concerns.
Merger Speculation
Last month, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published a report stating that Thursday’s deal was the first step in a sweeping plan for United to eventually acquire JetBlue.
But JetBlue leadership pushed back on these “rumors” in an email to employees Thursday that was viewed by AirlineGeeks.
“Despite speculation and rumors you may have read on blogs and social media, it’s important to point out that there is no agreement or plan for us to merge with United,” the carrier stated in the message.
JetBlue says it is committed to its JetForward strategy as the airline looks to return to profitability.
It also told employees that the carrier has learned from its failed Northeast Alliance.
“Our experience with the Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American taught us a lot – what worked, and what didn’t,” the company said. “The court’s ruling on the NEA laid out a path for how we can work with another U.S. airline – and we’re following that guidance. For example, there is no coordination on routes, schedules, or capacity.”
