JetBlue Airways is exploring partnerships with several US carriers, including a possible revival of the Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American Airlines.
During the Barclays Industrial Select Conference on February 19, JetBlue President Marty St. George confirmed that “we are talking to multiple airlines,” and CEO Joanna in late January I repeated Gerati's comments.
“We're still talking,” he says. “If you find a supplementary transaction, you'll definitely do it. I certainly think partnerships are good for JetBlue. ”
St. George argues that JetBlue and the American NEA “haven't left completely completely” before being hit by federal judges in May 2023.
“After reading the rulings I've read in so many times that I've read in excruciating detail, he essentially laid out a roadmap of “what the partnership looks like here.”
“Frankly, when I look at the benefits we gained from the partnerships we had, I think it's appealing to us.”
In particular, there are still paths JetBlue and American can use to bring back the NEA. In a recent 10K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Americans point out that they can escalate an appeal for the NEA's dissolution to the U.S. Supreme Court.
But the deadline for doing so is approaching.
“The certiorari warrant petition to the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled for February 27th,” the airline says.
Industry watchers speculate that JetBlue may be investigating deals with American, Alaska Airlines and even Southwest Airlines. Southwest maintains all the Boeing 737 fleets and has long promoted the simplicity of a single aircraft type. JetBlue's acquisition of primarily the Airbus fleet is a major operational and strategic departure.
At the same meeting, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle said the new US administration has created an open season for airline partnerships.
“I think the industry is ripe,” Biffle said, pointing to JetBlue as a target, especially for mergers and acquisitions.
“Everyone is talking about Jet Blue this week,” he says. “I think everyone except Delta and United can buy Jet Blue, right? I think Southwest can get away with that. The Americans could get away with it.”
Repeated attempts by Frontier to acquire rival ultra-low-cost carrier spirit airlines have been rejected, and as spirit emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Biffle says, “We wish them good luck.” I was urged to quip.
