New Airline Partnership Approved

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy recently discussed flight delays on “Varney & Co.” and mentioned findings indicating that former Secretary Pete Buttigieg may have compromised on safety protocols.

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has granted approval for a collaboration between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as the “Blue Sky” partnership.

In an official release, United Airlines described “Blue Sky” as a distinctive partnership aimed at giving customers more flight options and a chance to earn and utilize MileagePlus® miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines.

It’s important to note that this collaboration does not constitute a merger. JetBlue is set to provide United with slot access at the crowded JFK International Airport in New York starting in 2027, allowing for seven round-trip flights daily.

Additionally, the two airlines will share eight flight times at Newark Airport, according to United’s announcement.

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This partnership, first announced in May, followed a federal court’s rejection of JetBlue’s alliance with American Airlines in 2023, as reported by Reuters.

JetBlue expressed appreciation for Secretary Duffy, Deputy Secretary Edwards, and the entire DOT team in a statement regarding the Blue Sky review.

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Details about the Blue Sky Collaboration will be shared by United and JetBlue in the coming weeks as the implementation moves forward.

In June, Spirit Airlines urged USDOT to oppose the alliance and suggested that other major airlines might pursue similar partnerships.

USDOT did not immediately respond to inquiries about the approval.