DALLAS — JetBlue Airways won’t appeal a federal court’s ruling that struck down a long-term partnership with Fort Worth-based American Airlines, instead focusing attention on a proposed merger with budget carrier Spirit Airlines.
In May, a federal judge agreed with government regulators that the Northeast Alliance between JetBlue and American violated antitrust law by reducing competition and leading to fare hikes. JetBlue told American Wednesday that it is “terminating the Northeast Alliance Agreement,” according to a government filing. JetBlue released a statement reiterating that it strongly opposes the court’s ruling, but won’t take further action.
“Despite our deep conviction in the procompetitive benefits of the NEA, after much consideration, JetBlue has made the difficult decision not to appeal the court’s determination that the NEA cannot continue as currently crafted, and has instead initiated the termination of the NEA, beginning a wind down process that will take place over the coming months,” JetBlue said in the filing.
