lowfareair

Agreed, and why I feel it has a good chance of being part of the settlement (although still too early to know for sure where it will end up, e.g. what happens with the actual NEA lawsuit). It's an overall win for both: The NEA dissolving is a much bigger win for the DOJ than blocking the merger because it reduces AA's concentration (currently the world's largest airline based on ASMs, before factoring in its AS/B6/NK partnerships). JetBlue wins because it likely means less they would have to give up in NYC/BOS/FLL as well as any medium term promises about continuing service to certain cities or other requirements. It also solidifies JetBlue's argument that it is going to be "taking on the Big 4" as that's a very difficult claim to say with a straight face when they have a joint venture with the biggest of those 4 in B6's 2 largest cities.

I'd expect B6 feels the same way, but they are not very willing to give it up yet - if they feel the court ruling against the merger becomes a material possibility or if they can't get the DOJ to accept some other minor concessions first then expect to see it offered up.

MCO Flyer

JetBlue in addition to announcing 2 new International routes from MCO set to start later this year also announced it would be planning 200 flights a day from MCO once the merger with Spirit is finalized. According to the plans B6 would also start service up to 20 new destinations currently not served direct by either NK or B6 from MCO. In addition Mint service appears to be coming to MCO on select routes (presumably transons).

https://simpleflying.com/jetblue-new...ican-republic/

beyondhere

I suppose JetBlue's commitment to MCO would help a market like ACY keep its MCO flights from JetBlue.

JetBlue should look into servicing ABE. Allegiant has thrived there in their absence (with addition of Denver this year) but I presume for Florida, most passengers would prefer landing in MCO over SFB. Potential passengers who live a little closer to PHL but within one hour from ABE might be okay driving a little more distance, with the NE extension of PA Turnpike have 3 lanes each way for most of the drive. And then, have easier parking and experience plus JetBlue would be the only one covering the route, and maybe others, and it's closer to Poconos for reverse traffic for Floridians that might want to escape the heat/humidity in Spring to Fall months.

lowfareair

​​​​​​Judge sides with the gov't, blocks the NEA.

Not a shock, the parties could potentially appeal, but we'll see if they feel it is worth it. Posting here because I feel this will greatly impact the Spirit lawsuit - B6 could have potentially settled this merger suit by dropping the NEA, but now, that's essentially worthless to the DOJ and will mean greater concessions elsewhere.

dx3003

Feels like any airline combination will be blocked, regardless of which airlines are involved.

It doesn't help that airfares are generally moving higher and travelers are accepting the higher prices.

ECOTONE

Late to the discussion, but as a LAS captive traveler, having B6 here (in its current configuration/philosophy) is an upgrade over NK. Been using WN for work travel for years now and I hate it. Will be great to have a different option. Hoping they keep the entire NK network in tact here...

N830MH

In other news as well, B6 pilots are now in support of the merger. They’re agreed!

https://skift.com/blog/jetblue-pilots-back-spirit-airlines-merger/?utm_content=264522022&utm_medium=social&utm_sourc e=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-15594262118121

dx3003

The trial ends soon JetBlue Seeks Court Approval of its Acquisition of Spirit Airlines - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Today was the closing arguments

AMflier

The trial has gone to the judge. There is no announced timeline for the decision.

Flyertalker1

Maybe this merger is beneficial for consumers by having a larger all Airbus airline

the price havoc on flights over the next few months from this Boeing incident is going to be a mess

DG206

Born and raised here in Seattle to a Boeing family and 100% agree here. Boeing lost it with Condit at the helms, and all the issues can be traced to him really. Fly AS a lot on my transcons, and they just dumped the last of their Airbuses so guess Im glad next trips are B6 lol

GW McLintock

Totally sensationalist (and off-topic)

The door plugs used on the MAX 9 have been used on the 900ER for years (and have been available for the 757 and 767 for decades). The incident aircraft was less than 3 months old. It's obviously not a design flaw, so it's either a quality issue (so only affecting recent builds) or a maintenance issue (only affecting that particular aircraft).

I could get started on JetBlue maintenance practices (or the lack thereof). But this is not the forum for that, either.

Though this still has nothing to do with the B6-NK merger.

-J.

Flyertalker1

it absolutely is relevant to the merger and adds a new wrinkle. The US consumer flight market and “hub” market analysis should have considerable discussion on Boeing vs. airbus exposure.

Overexposure to one plane mfg co can exhibit pricing swings much worse than a B6 merger.

the consumers in Houston, Chicago, and Las Vegas will now experience price shocks due to Boeing exposure via UA / SW

GW McLintock

Southwest has no aircraft equipped with exit door plugs, so they will be unaffected. United has 79 MAX 9s and Alaska has 65. Alaska is on track to finish inspections by Tuesday. United (with their many more resources) I'm sure will finish on a similar schedule. I fail to see how this is any worse from an economic perspective than the PW engine issues that continue to plague JetBlue's A321neo and A220 fleet (or Spirit's entire NEO fleet) when additional inspections were required.

With specific regard to whatever "manufacturer overexposure analysis" you're talking about, that's like saying a taxi company which buys a smaller competitor should be analyzed by the government for having too many Toyota Camrys or Chevy Malibus instead of a mix of all cars. Where do we draw the line on government involvement? I only buy Cadillacs; am I overexposed and is the DMV going to tell me to get a Hyundai next?

-J.

Brighton Line

Just a few days before this Airbus lost their first A350 so what are you only going to fly now COMAC?