JetBlue CEO Says DOJ Has No Case in American Alliance Inquiry
- U.S. agency is reviewing whether venture is anti-competitive
- American-JetBlue alliance covers New York area, Boston
JetBlue Airways Corp. Chief Executive Officer Robin Hayes on Monday defended the airline’s alliance with American Airlines Group Inc., saying the U.S. Justice Department doesn’t have evidence to support allegations that it is anti-competitive.
The so-called Northeast Alliance has increased competition in the New York area and Boston, Hayes said in an interview. He pointed to additional domestic flying by JetBlue and international route additions from American since the U.S. Transportation Department ended its review of the arrangement in the final weeks of the Trump administration. JetBlue is hiring 1,800 workers and delaying retirement of some aircraft to support the alliance, while fares have declined as the partners step up competition with United Airlines Holdings Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc., he said.