The US Department of Justice prevailed in its lawsuit against JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, successfully (at least for now) blocking their planned merger. The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, found the merger would likely result in a scenario “unlikely to be sufficient to protect every consumer, in every relevant market from harm.”
JetBlue
Schiphol capacity slashed, US government responds
The US Department of Transportation will require Netherlands-based airlines to file schedules for approval to operate to the United States for Summer 2024, a move triggered by cuts to capacity at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The schedule filing requirement is the first step of any countermeasures the DOT might enact
JetBlue’s summer of blues
Summer is typically the best time of year for airlines. It is when profits are stockpiled to help pad the slower, colder seasons. Alas, JetBlue joins a handful of US carriers who did not enjoy summer 2023, reporting a loss of $153 million for Q3.
JetBlue adds Dublin, Edinburgh, unwinds NEA at LGA
JetBlue will fly to Dublin and Edinburgh in Summer 2024 but will serve these markets slightly differently than its current London, Paris, and Amsterdam operations.
JetBlue adds IHG partnership, adjusts upgrades for 2024 Mosaic program
Frequent fliers (or big credit card spenders) in JetBlue’s TrueBlue loyalty program will see a few key upgrades in their Mosaic elite status next year, including upgrades, hotels, and rental cars.
JetBlue activates Peacock content on board
JetBlue passengers now have access to content from the Peacock streaming media service on board most flights.
JetBlue will not appeal NEA ruling, refocuses on Spirit merger
And just like that, poof, it was gone. JetBlue will not appeal a US District Court ruling that its Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines represents a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
JetBlue secures permanent Schiphol slots
JetBlue will have access to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport to continue its flights from Boston and New York City for the winter season. And, unlike the slots it secured to launch the market this summer, the winter slots comes with “historical” rights, allowing it to keep them for future years, so long as it continues to operate.
DOJ wins: JetBlue, American NEA declared illegal
JetBlue and American Airlines must unwind their Northeast Alliance (NEA), and quickly. The partnership was ruled a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. This is, of course, bad news for the two airlines. The impact may be broader than that.
ViaSat-3 Americas launches successfully
The first ViaSat-3 satellite successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on Sunday night, beginning its short ride to geostationary orbit where it will open the next generation of satellite communications, including the inflight market.