JetBlue
JetBlue and American Airlines proceed with implementing key aspects of their strategic alliance after DOT review. Credit: Tomás Del Coro via flickr.

Major low-cost carrier JetBlue and American Airlines are set to introduce the key elements of their innovative and customer-focused strategic alliance in the first quarter of 2021.

The implementation will be carried out in phases over the course of the year and follows a review by the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

The alliance intends to offer smooth connectivity and expand travel options for customers travelling in and out of New York and Boston.

Additionally, the carriers expect the alliance to accelerate their recovery from the pandemic.

JetBlue revenue and planning head Scott Laurence said: “Through this alliance, we are one step closer to bringing customers even more competition in the North-East, especially on routes currently served by only one airline with high fares and poor service.

“Customers who love the JetBlue experience can look forward to significant growth at LaGuardia and similarly up to 70 daily flights at Newark, as well as seamless connections onto American’s long-haul network in and out of New York and Boston.”

The DOT terminated its review of the alliance after an approximately six-month review.

According to an agreement with the DOT, the carriers have agreed to various commitments in exchange. These include capacity expansion, slot divestitures at JFK and at Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport (DCA), and antitrust compliance measures.

Last July, JetBlue and American Airlines entered a strategic partnership to enhance connectivity in the northeastern US.