JetBlue Airways is preparing to announce a partnership with another U.S. airline that boasts a larger network, according to the airline’s president, Marty St. George. Look for that announcement in the next few weeks, as JetBlue continues to work to extend the benefits of its expanded footprint to more customers. The New York-based airline has said it has been in talks with several different airlines this year on possible partnerships.
St. George emphasized the significance of this partnership to customers, especially those in the Northeast. He stated, “If you are a customer in the Northeast and you love JetBlue for leisure, but twice a year you have to go to Omaha or Boise, these are places that you can’t earn TrueBlue points on now and when this partnership goes forward, you will be able.” That would mean that the popular future partnership would create new earning and redeeming travel possibilities for JetBlue’s loyalty program members.
JetBlue, for example, consistently ranks high on customer satisfaction. Perhaps that is why it ranks No. 1 in customer satisfaction for its premium services of first- and business-class cabins. The airline’s largest base is at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. That airport is the home base for their primary carrier. If formed, the new joint venture would prevent competitor United Airlines from making inroads into this important airport. This move would make the competition in the region even stronger.
JetBlue has an existing and active pipeline for new partnerships, so stay tuned! Just last week, it got into discussions with American Airlines to restart a former partnership. Negotiations stalled, resulting in no agreement at all. This is why following the breakdown of negotiations, American Airlines agreed to sue JetBlue. This unique history points to the often-inexplicable intricacies simmering beneath the surface of attempts to forge alliances in today’s tricky airline space.
As JetBlue continues down the path of its disruptive plans, industry observers are closely watching how this partnership will take shape. The airline’s move is the latest indication of a bullish trend among carriers. They want to offer better service offerings and wider networks, so they pursue the creation of strategic collaborations.
United Airlines has declined to comment on any details surrounding possible cooperation with JetBlue. A spokeswoman for United commented, “We don’t engage in industry speculation,” leaving details regarding any possible connections between the two airlines ambiguous.