JetBlue Airways and American Airlines announced a new strategic partnership on Thursday that will create seamless connectivity for customers from the U.S. Northeast across the carriers’ complementary domestic and international networks.
On Thursday, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines announced a new strategic partnership that will create more options for customers from the U.S. Northeast. The partnership will create seamless connectivity across the complementary domestic and international networks of both airlines and will help accelerate the post-pandemic recovery of both carriers. A key component of the new partnership is an alliance agreement that proposes codeshare and loyalty benefits in the New York and Boston markets. Guests of both airlines will enjoy new and expanded routes as the companies explore strategic growth opportunities. In today’s announcement, JetBlue’s Chief Operating Officer, Joanna Geraghty said,
“Pairing JetBlue’s domestic network with American’s international route map creates a new competitive choice in the Northeast, where customers are longing for an alternative to the dominant network carriers. This partnership with American is the next step in our plan to accelerate our coronavirus recovery, get our crewmembers and aircraft flying again, and fuel JetBlue’s growth into the future.”
Also commenting on Thursday’s announcement, American Airlines’ President, Robert Isom added,
“This is an incredible opportunity for both of our airlines. American has a strong history in the Northeast, and we’re proud to partner with JetBlue as the latest chapter in that long history. Together, we can offer customers a industry-leading product in New York and Boston with more flights and more seats to more cities.”
As a result of the new partnership, American Airlines will launch international service from New York-JFK to Tel Aviv, as well seasonal service between JFK and Athens as well as Rio de Janeiro for winter 2021. The new international service will complement American’s existing routes to popular destinations such as London-LHR and Madrid. Likewise, JetBlue will accelerate growth in the New York City region with additional flights from LaGuardia, Newark and JFK, providing seamless connections to American Airlines’ expanded international network.
The reciprocal codeshare agreement will expand customer options with improved schedules, competitive fares and nonstop flights to more domestic and international cities. Guests will enjoy a seamless booking experience with the ability to book a single itinerary on either website as well as expanded loyalty benefits. Customers booking transcontinental flights can also choose between American Airlines’ three-class Transcon service or JetBlue’s premium Mint product. The codeshare agreement will introduce JetBlue’s customers to more than 60 new routes operated by American Airlines, whose customers will benefit from over 130 new routes operated by JetBlue. Regarding the new strategic partnership, JetBlue’s Head of Revenue and Planning, Scott Laurence stated,
“JetBlue customers will have more routes and destinations to choose from through American Airlines’ extensive global network. Together, we will offer customers better options than either of us could do alone. This partnership enables JetBlue to bring our low fares and great service to even more customers by expanding our presence in our hometown, growing relevance in Boston, and supporting our successful Mint franchise.”
American Airlines’ Chief Revenue Officer, Vasu Raja further added,
“Leisure travel is important to our customers, and JetBlue’s network paired with their award-winning service, are the perfect fit. Both airlines’ customers value access to more destinations, whether it’s a JetBlue customer who wants direct access to South America from New York, or an American customer who wants more robust service to Florida. Together, we can give our customers the best of both worlds.”
JetBlue Airways will not be joining the oneworld® global alliance as part of the new partnership or American Airlines’ Atlantic Joint Business (AJB) agreement with the International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG). Additionally, JetBlue’s plans to launch independent international service to London in 2021 remain in place.
Source(s): JetBlue Airways, American Airlines