JetBlue to partner with another U.S. airline in the coming weeks, president says

JetBlue Airways has been ranked as number one in customer satisfaction for its first and business class services. The airline’s president mentioned on Tuesday that they are preparing to reveal a partnership with another major U.S. airline in the upcoming weeks, with United Airlines being a potential contender.

JetBlue has expressed the need for a partnership in order to effectively compete with larger airlines like Delta Air Lines and United. Their attempted acquisition of Spirit Airlines was blocked by the Justice Department last year, and their partnership with American Airlines in the Northeast fell apart after an antitrust lawsuit in 2023.

Various discussions have been held this year with different airlines regarding a potential partnership. JetBlue’s president, Marty St. George, stated during an earnings call on Tuesday that an announcement is expected to be made this quarter. He highlighted that the partnership’s extensive network would enable customers to earn and use loyalty points on JetBlue.

United Airlines may potentially gain access to JetBlue’s home hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York through this partnership. Other airlines like Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines either declined to comment or stated that there were no imminent partnership announcements. American Airlines had also attempted to revive a partnership with JetBlue, but the negotiations failed, leading to a lawsuit being filed by American.