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JetBlue Airways has secured the top position in customer satisfaction for first and business class services.
The airline is poised to announce a new partnership with another U.S. airline featuring a more extensive network, according to the president of JetBlue. One probable contender for partnership is United Airlines.
JetBlue’s leadership has consistently indicated a need for strategic partnerships to enhance their competitive edge against larger carriers, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Last year, the Justice Department halted JetBlue’s efforts to acquire Spirit Airlines, and a joint venture with American Airlines in the Northeast collapsed after the airlines faced an antitrust lawsuit in 2023.
This year, JetBlue has been in discussions with several potential partners. Marty St. George, the airline’s president, stated during a recent earnings call that an announcement is expected this quarter. He highlighted that a larger partner would enable travelers to earn and redeem loyalty points on JetBlue’s platform.
“For customers in the Northeast who prefer JetBlue for leisure travel, if you need to visit places like Omaha or Boise a couple of times a year, currently you can’t earn TrueBlue points there. However, this partnership will change that,” St. George noted.
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Should a partnership materialize, United Airlines may re-establish its presence at JetBlue’s primary hub, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A spokeswoman for United Airlines commented, “We don’t engage in industry speculation.”
Meanwhile, an Alaska Airlines representative confirmed that the airline is not considering a partnership with JetBlue, as it is concentrating on its recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
Southwest Airlines opted not to provide comments on the matter. A Delta Air Lines spokesperson stated that there are currently no announcements regarding partnerships with other airlines.
In another development, American Airlines had explored the possibility of reinvigorating its partnership with JetBlue, but discussions fell through. On Monday, American Airlines filed a lawsuit against JetBlue, indicating their inability to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, as shared by Vice Chair Steve Johnson in a letter to employees.
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