Report: JetBlue, United in Partnership Talks

Key Takeaways

• JetBlue Airways and United Airlines Group reportedly are in talks for a partnership.
• Reuters cited sources who said any agreement wouldn't include coordination on scheduling and pricing, and would allow travelers "to earn and burn frequent-flier miles."
• United told Investopedia that it doesn't "comment on industry speculation."

Shares of JetBlue Airways and United Airlines Holdings fell on Wednesday, as there were indications that the two carriers were in talks to form a partnership.

JetBlue is looking to merge with a new airline since 2023. A federal judge agreed that the carrier should end its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines Group, as it would increase prices for consumers. It tried to merge Spirit Airlines last year, but regulators declared it anticompetitive.

Citing "three industry sources familiar with the matter," Reuters reported Tuesday night that any deal between JetBlue and United would be different from the Northeast Alliance because the two wouldn't coordinate on scheduling and pricing. It would allow travelers "to earn and burn frequent-flier miles."

JetBlue President says carrier close to making announcement

The report came hours after JetBlue president Marty St. George said during the company's earnings call Tuesday that "I think we're getting very close to making announcement, expect to be making announcement this quarter," according to a transcript provided by AlphaSense.

St. George added that "as far as the benefits that we expect to offer to our customers, the most important thing is … a significantly higher network opportunity for earn and burn of TrueBlue points, which we think greatly improves the utility of TrueBlue."

United told Investopedia that it doesn't "comment on industry speculation."

In Wednesday’s late morning trading, JetBlue Airways shares fell 3% while United Airlines Holdings shares dropped more than 2%. They are down by nearly 50% and 30% respectively this year.

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1. Reuters.  “Exclusive – JetBlue negotiates partnership United Airlines, according to sources.”

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