NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6) and British Airways (BA) are set to establish an extensive codesharing agreement, aiming to interconnect their flight networks by jointly marketing flights across the USA and between London and Europe.
This initiative revealed in a regulatory filing with the US Department of Transportation on May 22, unfolds as JetBlue endeavors to bolster its financial standing and adjust its strategy after encountering setbacks. These setbacks involve the dissolution of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines and the thwarting of its bid to acquire Spirit Airlines (NK).
British Airways and JetBlue Codeshare
Similar to the defunct Northeast Alliance, the proposed codesharing agreement between JetBlue and British Airways focuses on JetBlue’s services departing from Boston (BOS) and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK).
As per the regulatory filing, the plan entails JetBlue applying British Airways’ code to 36 domestic routes from Boston and 39 domestic routes from JFK.
On transatlantic routes, British Airways flights from London to 17 European destinations, including cities like Amsterdam (AMS), Budapest (BUD), Frankfurt (FRA), Lisbon (LIS), Paris (CDG), and Zurich (ZRH), will feature JetBlue’s code.
Given that both airlines operate flights between London and New York as well as London and Boston, this agreement would enable each carrier to market connecting flights across the Atlantic under their respective brands.
Likely to Join Elite Airlines
If approved by the DOT, this agreement would bolster British Airways’ presence in the US market, alongside its existing partnership with American Airlines (AA).
British Airways and American Airlines already engage in codesharing and are both members, along with Aer Lingus (EI), Iberia (IB), and Finnair (AY), of a revenue-sharing transatlantic joint venture.
JetBlue initially aimed to closely synchronize its operations with American Airlines at Boston and New York airports as part of the Northeast Alliance, which was announced with much enthusiasm in 2020. However, a federal judge in May 2023 mandated the dissolution of this arrangement due to antitrust concerns.
Subsequently, JetBlue pursued the acquisition of Spirit Airlines to fortify its operations. However, a judge from the same court blocked this acquisition in January for similar antitrust reasons, prompting JetBlue to reevaluate its strategy.
In response to financial setbacks and issues with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines affecting some of its Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, JetBlue has been scaling back its flight operations and has shelved growth plans for 2024.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.