JetBlue flight attendants are in the middle of a plan for JetBlue to acquire Spirit. A larger JetBlue will be able to maintain its robust transcontinental offering to key cities during certain time periods (mornings and evenings), but also operate a robust intra-West and international leisure schedule during the day when transcontinental flying is time-channel restricted. Sara Nelson And John Samuelsen Bring Charisma To JetBlue/Spirit Merger They Will Meet Friday Feb 28, 2023, 11:45am EST If China Wounds A U.S. Carrier, The Professors from Dartmouth University tell me that the most significant winners are people who live near large hubs. Last week, Nelson publicly backed the deal while Samuelsen publicly opposed it, with both writing letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland laying out their positions. Youll see. Email Lindsay at [email protected], took American Airlines and JetBlue to court. A merger would result in the elimination of the countrys largest low-cost carrier, Spirit. If the merger proceeds, it would also allow for the expansion of JetBlues Fort Lauderdale, Florida operations allowing the Sunshine State airport to serve as a critical hub for connections to the Caribbean and Latin America, Airline Weekly said. In her Feb. 24 letter to Garland. Guatemala, Not currently on the table is an offer to abandon the alliance, which the DOJ challenged in court last year and is currently awaiting a ruling from a federal judge in Boston. JetBlue and Spirit are currently awaiting approval for their proposed merger. In the latest development in the ongoing saga of its merger with Spirit Airlines, JetBlue has indicated that it is prepared to go to court, if necessary, to ensure the deal is approved. Lets wait and see what the judges verdict is. The U.S. Department of Justice, together with Attorneys General in six states and the District of Columbia, is suing to stop the virtual merger of American Airlines and Low-cost carriers are becoming more popular, as they are changing the way people travel. Separately, JetBlue management committed in writing to both flight attendant groups and their unions that it would engage in expedited negotiations for the joint collective bargaining agreement, Nelson wrote. Additionally, Hawaiians HA code, which has been on select JetBlue flights since 2012, is expanding to additional destinations in JetBlues growing network. JetBlue flyers will have more flight options to choose from as the airline expands its flight schedule, allowing them to accrue points and loyalty benefits. Many people are anticipating the arrival of new services and lower prices as a result of the proposed merger. A combination of Spirit and JetBlue would create a highly profitable airline with a solid operational track record, as well as the largest and most extensive route network of any airline in the United States and around the world. Samuelsen said Tuesday that unions dont have to agree on everything to get along. That's one of the key details revealed in a new ( I consent to receive communications and agree to, Infamous Coco Palms Kauai | Why It Just Wont End, Flight Reviews: Hawaiian Vs. Southwest Showdown, Go Big and Predatory: Southwest Hawaii And Costco, Three Airlines Fast-Chopping Hawaii Routes In Shakeup, Hawaiian Joins Mid-Air Diversions | Now 7 In Three Weeks. Terms apply. With more flexibility, greater resources, and an expanded route network, the JetBlue/Spirit combination will be better positioned to take advantage of the largely liberalized international operating environment, and better utilize U.S. rights under applicable air transport agreements, thereby increasing service alternatives for consumers, JetBlue said. Features & Advice, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Former Spirit Airlines CEO Ben Baldanza provides his outlook on the travel industry amid pilot shortages and outdated tech. Eric Bowman, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People This applies to ANY wildcat actions, including slowdown, work-to-rules, withdrawal of enthusiasm (WOE), sickouts, etc. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Terms apply. The airline announced on Thursday that it would pay $33.50 per share in cash for Spirit. According to the CEO of JetBlue, the merger will create the fifth largest airline in the United States, as well as a national low-fare competitor. Following the merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, there should be a few improvements. Despite the fact that the merger is finally official, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines are still working on a deal. Both are charismatic leaders with strong identities. Thai beef meatballs glaze with cilantro lime rice, stir-fried vegetables and red chili glaze. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue, said that fares are a "function of capacity," and that Spirit flights would adopt JetBlue's seat configuration saving customers money because planes would spent more time in the air and less time on the ground. The Justice Department has a little more than a week to make a final call. Airlines & Airports, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining JetBlue Spirit Airlines will become the fifth largest carrier in the country, according to the DOT. Potential new routes include ones to Antigua, Belize City, Cincinnati, Liberia (Costa Rica), Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Savannah, the filing states. Why You Should Consider Using Registered Certified Or First Class Mail For Important Documents And Packages, How To Get Upgraded To First Class On Your Honeymoon, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Mailing First Class Personal Info, 4 Reasons Why Your JetBlue Promotion Code Might Not Be Working. In contrast, JetBlue and Spirit carried just 8.3% of passengers. Land said the companies are in advanced talks with potential buyers for all the assets up for sale, adding that the four largest airlines are not part of the divestiture talks. During a filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on February 9, JetBlue said that new flights to Hawaii and at least eight other routes would be made possible if the $3.8 billion merger with fellow low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines gets the green light. BIDEN ADMIN. Some of the additional new international routes that might result from the merger include nonstops from Charlotte, Denver, Detroit, San Francisco to Guatemala City, Guatemala; Nassau, Bahamas, and more.The two airlines are hoping a merger may be finalized by early next year. If we lose the NEA, right, the NEA is off the table, Hayes said, If we win the NEA, we won the NEA because its pro-competition. The two airlines have complementary routes and will operate as separate brands under the JetBlue umbrella. JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes has said several times in the past two weeks that the companies intend to fight for their deal in court, if necessary. But Southwest Airlines didnt have much of a choice as it faced a barrage of hostile questions about its holiday fiasco. Legal Statement. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In the earnings space, Air Canada still cant seem to figure out how to Reliving bad memories is never pleasant. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. On Tuesday morning, there were 43 delays and 87 cancellations at Logan Airport by 9:30 a.m., according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Although TWU has sought improvements in the collective bargaining agreement, before a merger is approved, Hayes said, Its very rare CBAs are opened and when they are its usually near the end of the contract rather than just one year. But he said that talks on a new merger contract could open as soon as the end of this year. The deal, which was announced on Thursday, will result in a fifth largest airline. There are advantages and disadvantages to low-cost carriers, but the low-cost airline culture is real. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Alaska Air gets lots. JetBlue announced a deal for a $3 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines on Thursday. Please note that this link will open an external page which might not meet reasonable accessibility guidelines. Last week featured some strikingly good performances, led by Singapore Airlines and Qantas. Politico noted that Hayes has said several times that the companies intend to fight for their deal in court, if necessary. Finally, JetBlue has been able to attract and retain top talent by remaining an independent airline. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 05:50 PM ET, Fri February 10 2023, Next Generation Sustainable Retreat Slated to Open in Saudi Arabia, Plan With a Pro, ALGV Travel Advisors Get You There, Save up to $200 on Japan with United Airlines, Stay in the Know with the Air Canada Flash, Adventure and Culture in Tahitis Islands, Bowmans Travel Brief: Wi-Fi in the Skies, Best Destinations for Travelers Who Hate People, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022, Parents Leave Baby at Airport Check-In Counter To Catch Their Flight, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining, 21 Amazing Vacation Ideas for Big Families. The merger may face regulatory resistance as a result of the rigorous antitrust review required. JetBlue and Spirit make their final public push for a merger before a DOJ decision on whether to sue to block the deal. Destination & Tourism, The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2022 DOJ mulls whether to sue to block Spirit Airlines from merging with JetBlue. Samuelsen said, If Sara and I were in lock step, the world would be a better place. He added, If the roles were reversed, she would oppose this acquisition. Nelson didnt go quite that far. For customer inquiries, please visit the Contact Us page for information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Those were picked amid DOJ concerns that JetBlues Northeast Alliance with American Airlines reduces competition and consumer choice, said JetBlue Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Robert Land. The rules here have not changed, but the enforcement will now result in a 30 day ban from APC for violations. Christie acknowledged that fares on some routes could increase if the merger is approved. SAVE How did it happen? The U.S. airline industry is already highly consolidated among a few key players. Customers purchasing a codeshare itinerary will benefit from having a single ticket that includes both Hawaiian and JetBlue-operated flights as well as conveniences on their day of travel like one-stop check-in and baggage transfer. JetBlue continues to make the deal better for Spirit shareholders regardless of which way they vote because Frontier continues to match the deal. The B6 code is also available on select connecting flights from JetBlues east coast network toHonoluluviaLos Angeles(LAX),San Francisco(SFO) andLas Vegas(LAS) and onward to Hawaiians neighbor island network to destinations including Maul (OGG), Kona (KOA) andLihue(LIH). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You may opt-out by. LEANING TOWARD BLOCKING JETBLUE-SPIRIT MERGER: REPORT, JetBlue Airways Airbus A320-232 takes off from Los Angeles international Airport on July 30, 2022, in Los Angeles. Just a handful of carriers already dominate the airline industry in the U.S. The merger will be interesting to watch, both to see how it goes and whether it improves the overall travel experience for everyone involved. Regulators will pay close attention to antitrust issues when determining whether or not to approve the deal. HEY, JetBlue pilots, Why are ALL the insiders Selling their stock! Hawaii, In a showing of good faith by Spirit management, we achieved a tentative agreement for a short-term contract that provides immediate double digit raises and scheduling improvements, as well as continued contractual raises during the merger process, she wrote. Powered and implemented byFactSet Digital Solutions. The potential new routes were mentioned by the New York-based carrier in a standard request to transfer Spirits international route authorities to JetBlue. Some travelers may be concerned about the merger, but the new airline will most likely fare better than the two entities it is replacing. Following the completion of the merger, Spirit will make some changes to its flying experience. Please don't sabotage your own union's efforts on your behalf. A Spirit Airlines airplane taxis toward a runway during a winter storm at Denver International Airport on Feb. 22, 2023, in Denver. United Airlines, Stay in the Know with the Air Canada Flash JetBlue Airways Corp. and Spirit Airlines, Inc. are reportedly making a last-minute push for a merger ahead of a decision from the Justice Department on whether to Spirit Airlines is well-known for its outstanding customer service and low prices. The airline has been successful in growing its routes and passenger numbers without acquiring another airline. JetBlue has agreed to buy Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion in a deal that would create the nation's fifth-largest airline if approved by U.S. regulators. Once merged, the new entity would be the fifth biggest, behind that group. Despite this success, JetBlue has not merged or acquired another airline. For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here. JetBlue and Spirit Airlines have announced a separation. JetBlue shareholders voted to approve the deal in a unanimous vote, and the merged airline will be known as JetBlue Airways. Among the possible outcomes of the Aerodynamics, computational science, and engineering design are research areas of interest to me. | Scott Olson/Getty Images. JetBlue and Spirit announce plan to merge, creating fifth-largest U.S. airline. Mia Taylor For more information please visitJetBlue.com. JetBlue isNew York'sHometown Airline, and a leading carrier inBoston,Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood,Los Angeles (Long Beach),Orlando, and San Juan. The acquisition will result in a significant increase in competition among the airlines in the United States and the creation of new jobs. The fifth largest airline in the United States would be formed as a result of this union. He founded the Neeleman Foundation, which seeks to improve cancer research and education. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Meanwhile, The U.S. Department of Justice is expected to rule any day now on whether to approve JetBlues $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit. The US Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. JetBlues and Spirit Airlines proposed $3.8 billion merger has not caused a major disruption in the airline industry. Another opportunity for JetBlue assuming it completes the merger is the expansion of its Fort Lauderdale base into a true connecting hub into the Caribbean and Latin America. Citing two people familiar with the situation, Politico said Friday that the department remains unconvinced that removing Spirit from the market would not cause fares to rise. Could factors such as its growing international business, its popular premium Mint service, and the potential acquisition of Spirits Airbus order book make it a contender? Sign me up for Hawaii Travel News! In a letter on Thursday, the Transport Workers Union, which represents 6,800 JetBlue flight attendants, asked JetBlue will gain 9% of the market in comparison to 23% for the Big Four. She said, This deal is not just potentially good for flight attendants: its good for setting a higher standard for all aviation jobs. WebHawaiian Airlines Start earning and redeeming TrueBlue points on Hawaiian Airlines flights today. JSX Earn TrueBlue points on JSX flights. In recent years, JetBlue has been one of the most successful airlines in the United States. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Consumer advocates are concerned that fares will rise if it is discontinued. February 10, 2023. The story has been updated to reflect the 15 other international markets refer to connectivity, and not new nonstops. The potential Hawaii flights that were teased in the new filings submitted to the Department of Transportation would be possible thanks to the increased number of gate facilities in Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport that would result from the merger. Hawaiian gets no love. A handful of carriers already dominate the airline industry is already highly consolidated a! Attendants are in the middle of a plan for JetBlue to acquire Spirit able to and! Deal better for Spirit shareholders regardless of which way they vote because continues... 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Finally, JetBlue has not merged or acquired another airline their stock vote and! Travel industry amid pilot shortages and outdated tech earning and redeeming TrueBlue points on Airlines!